This morning, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in audience the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, His Excellency Mr Micheál Martin, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Ireland. Attention then turned to the country’s socio-economic situation, as well as to relations between the local Church and the State, with particular focus on the area of education.

The conversation continued regarding several regional and international policy issues, including Europe and the Middle East, the prospects for peace in those regions, as well as the question of multilateralism.

From the Vatican, 22 May 2026