Pope Leo meets French President Macron

The first meeting between the Pope and the French President took place at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. Talks at the Secretariat of State included the hope of restoring peaceful coexistence through dialogue and negotiation around the world.

Pope Leo met with the French President Emmanuel Macron (ANSA)

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the Vatican9;s Courtyard of St. Damasus for an audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace. Accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, the head of state was greeted by Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, Regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

In the Sala del Tronetto, Macron exchanged greetings and a handshake with the Pope. This was their first personal meeting; previously, during Pope Francis’ pontificate, the president had visited the Vatican three times.

Talks at the Secretariat of State

After his meeting with the Pope, Macron met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

'During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State,' a statement from the Holy See Press Office reported, 'the good relations between the Holy See and France were acknowledged. The talks then focused on important international issues, with an exchange of views on the conflicts around the world, with the hope that peaceful coexistence could be restored through dialogue and negotiation.'

Meeting with the Community of Sant9;Egidio

Macron arrived in Rome on Thursday April 9 and one of his first engagements was a visit to the Community of Sant9;Egidio at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. There he was welcomed by President Marco Impagliazzo, founder Andrea Riccardi, and Mario Giro.

The French president was accompanied by a large delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The visit to Sant9;Egidio began with a tribute to young Congolese Floribert Bwana Chui, who was killed in 2007 in Goma after opposing the passage of spoiled food. He was beatified in June 2025.

Vatican News
Source: vaticannews.va/en