The Holy Father met with the President of the European Commission

Victor Vladimirov – Vatican City

By message In the Vatican Press Hall, during the friendly conversation, gratitude was expressed for the good bilateral relations that were further developed through the Structured Dialogue between the parties, and the initiatives taking place in connection with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the European Union were noted.

During the meeting, the topic of human and social development of the continent was touched upon, including in the context of the recently launched conference on the future of Europe. The parties discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, such as the social consequences of the pandemic, migration and climate change, as well as recent events in the Middle East.

Pope Francis at a meeting with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

After talking with the Holy Father, the President of the European Commission met with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.