Pope Leo Meets European Parliament President in Vatican
Pope Leo XIV received the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Thursday morning, marking a high level institutional encounter between the Holy See and European leadership. The meeting took place amid ongoing global concerns over conflict, political fragmentation and social polarization across the continent. According to remarks shared afterward by the European Parliament President, the audience offered space for reflection on Europe’s responsibility to pursue peace through dialogue. Metsola described the exchange as meaningful and expressed appreciation for the Pope’s clarity and openness during their conversation. The encounter underscored the Vatican’s continued engagement with European institutions at a time when moral leadership and diplomatic dialogue remain central to addressing both regional and global challenges facing Europe and the wider international community.
Following the private audience with Pope Leo XIV, President Metsola continued her Vatican engagements with a meeting involving senior officials of the Holy See, including the Secretary of State. The discussions formed part of a broader diplomatic program during her visit to Rome, reflecting the European Parliament’s interest in sustained dialogue with religious and humanitarian actors. Vatican observers have noted that such meetings traditionally focus on shared concerns such as peacebuilding, migration, human dignity and international cooperation. While no formal communique was issued, the timing of the visit highlights the role of the Holy See as a moral interlocutor in European affairs. The Vatican has consistently emphasized dialogue as a necessary instrument for resolving political tensions, a theme that aligns closely with Metsola’s public remarks following her meeting with the Pope.
The European Parliament President’s schedule in Rome extended beyond the Vatican, with planned meetings later in the day with authorities of the Italian Republic. Among those engagements was an anticipated encounter with Italy’s prime minister, reflecting the intersection of European and national political priorities. In addition to political meetings, Metsola was scheduled to address an event dedicated to the legacy of Alcide De Gasperi, focusing on Europe and the defense of freedom. The gathering, held at the European Parliament’s offices in central Rome, aimed to explore the historical foundations of European unity and democratic values. The inclusion of this event within her visit emphasized the importance of historical memory and institutional continuity in shaping Europe’s future direction.
Earlier in the day, President Metsola also held a courtesy meeting with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta at the Magistral Palace in Rome. According to an official statement, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the Order’s humanitarian activities carried out across more than 130 countries. Particular attention was given to ongoing assistance efforts in areas affected by conflict and humanitarian crisis, including Ukraine and Gaza. Metsola reportedly expressed strong appreciation for the Order’s work in complex and fragile environments. The meeting highlighted the continued collaboration between European institutions and faith based humanitarian organizations, reinforcing the shared commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting stability in regions affected by war, displacement and long term insecurity.
