This morning, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of Austria, His Excellency Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks held at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Austria, emphasizing the positive contribution of the Catholic Church in the promotion of the common good of society. Mention was also made of some particularly topical issues, such as migration and interreligious relations.

The conversation then moved on to current international issues, especially regarding situations of conflict, expressing the hope for a greater role to be played by the international community in the search for peaceful solutions.

From the Vatican, 5 March 2026