Today, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Her Excellency Ms. Giorgia Meloni, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions, which took place in the Secretariat of State, the good bilateral relations were highlighted and a number of issues relating to the Italian social situation were mentioned, with particular reference to the problems associated with the fight against poverty, the family, the demographic phenomenon and the education of young people.

Attention then turned to themes of an international character, with special reference to Europe, the conflict in Ukraine, and migration.

From the Vatican, 10 January 2023