Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in audience, in the Apostolic Palace, the President of the European Council, His Excellency António Costa, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Monsignor Mirosław Wachowski, Undersecretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial talks in the Secretariat of State, the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the European Union were noted, as was the desire to further intensify dialogue on issues of common interest, especially in relation to proposal to establish a global fund for the elimination of hunger in the world and for promoting the development of the poorest countries.

Conversation then turned to the current international situation, with particular reference to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

From the Vatican, 6 June 2025