Pope Leo meets with French President Macron

Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Pope Leo at the Vatican on Friday. Accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, President Macron was greeted by Mgr 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.

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 Organisations.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office reported: ""During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, 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."

Macron arrived in Rome on Thursday 9 April. One of his first engagements was a visit to the Community of Sant'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 Sant'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.