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French President Macron meets Pope Francis in Rome
French President Emmanuel Macron and Pope Francis met on Monday (Oct 24), where they are believed to have discussed the Ukraine war and prospects for peace.
The Vatican said their private talks lasted 55 minutes but, as is customary, did not specify the contents of the discussion.
The Vatican said that Ukraine, especially the country’s dire humanitarian situation, topped the agenda in later talks Macron had with the Vatican's two top diplomats. Among the discussion topics were also the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa.
"During the cordial discussions, which took place in the Secretariat of State, the parties focused on matters of an international nature, starting from the conflict in Ukraine, with special attention to the humanitarian situation," the Vatican said.
"Particular consideration was given to the region of the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa," it added.
Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte and greeted with an honour guard of Swiss Guards, gave the pope a first edition of German philosopher Immanuel Kant's "Perpetual Peace," published in French in 1796.
The pope gave Macron a medallion depicting an early plan for St Peter's Basilica and some of his writings.
Macron arrived in Rome on Sunday (Oct 23) to participate in a peace event organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, a lay Catholic body.
Pope Francis calls for reform at United Nations after Russia-Ukraine war
Following the meeting, Macron headed to have an official lunch with Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella.
On Tuesday (Oct 25), both the French President and the Pope will jointly close an international conference organised by Italy's Sant'Egidio Community, a worldwide peace and charity group.
