Pope Leo's conversation with Emmanuel Macron about Middle East peace
Pope Leo XIV and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed global crises, especially the war in the Middle East, at the Vatican.
A private meeting was held at the Vatican between Pope Leo XIV and French President Emmanuel Macron, the main focus of which was to review the developments and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The meeting, which took place on Friday, April 10, is the first official meeting between the world's Catholic leader and the French president since the beginning of the new papacy.
Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, was welcomed into the Vatican's Apostolic Palace and then had a private conversation with the Pope that lasted about an hour, a time that observers consider longer than is typical for diplomatic meetings at the Vatican.
Prior to this meeting, sources close to the French presidency had announced that the main focus of the trip would be to discuss with the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics ways to “solve the Middle East crisis.” Both sides have previously emphasized in their public positions the need to end the wars and strengthen diplomatic channels.
After the meeting, the French President expressed his satisfaction with the meeting on the social network X, writing: "We share a common belief: in the face of the divisions in the world, action for peace is a duty and a necessity."
On the other hand, the Vatican also announced in its official statement: "Pope Leo XIV has discussed with the French President conflicts around the world and expressed hope that peaceful coexistence can be re-established through dialogue and negotiation."
On the sidelines of the meeting, there were also informal and cordial moments. According to images released by the Vatican, Emmanuel Macron presented the Pope with a jersey signed by members of the French national basketball team, a gesture that added a more friendly touch to the formal atmosphere of the meeting.
The conversation is seen as a continuation of the relatively close relations between the French president and the Vatican. Macron has met with former Pope Francis several times in recent years, during which they discussed global crises, the role of religions in peace, and moral and humanitarian issues.
