Pope Leo receives Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

Pope Leo XIV with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Vatican this morning

Source: Vatican Media, ICN

Pope Leo XIV received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Donald Tusk, in the Vatican on Thursday morning.

Mr Tusk subsequently met with the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, at the Secretariat of State.

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the conversations at the Secretariat of State were cordial and acknowledged the good relations between the Holy See and Poland.

The Vatican communiqué added that attention was given "to the country's social and economic situation, as well as to relations between the local Church and the State, especially in the field of education and with regard to ethical issues."

Finally, the statement concluded saying there was "an exchange of views on the current international situation, with particular reference to the conflict in Ukraine, as well as on Poland's role within the European Union."

Speaking with reporters after the meeting Donald Tusk said it had been "surprisingly informal," and had gone beyond strict protocol and included reflections on the legacy of Polish-born Pope John Paul II.

He said: "I told the Holy Father that his words can greatly improve the world, which is heading in a troubling direction, and that his words and actions can help restore moral order in public life."

He added that they shared similar views on issues such as human rights, solidarity and dialogue. Mr Tusk said Pope Leo also had a message for Poles to remain hopeful and united.

"The Holy Father told us not to lower our important heads, not to lose hope, but to build strength for good and unite around what is right," Mr Tusk said. He added: "the world does not have to descend into chaos if people of goodwill act together."

Mr Tusk confirmed that he has invited the Pope to visit Poland, and the invitation was warmly received, though no date has been set.

Mr Tusk said he presented Pope Leo with a copy of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, in Kashubian, a regional language spoken in northern Poland, where he has family roots.