HR/VP Kallas meets Pope Leo XIV

The European Union and the Holy See have diplomatic relations since 1970 and a Structured Dialogue on Foreign Policy since 2015.

This week's meeting of Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with Pope Leo XIV marks yet another stage in our constant diplomatic dialogue. Topics discussed included Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for a just and lasting peace, the situation in the Middle East and the urgent humanitarian needs, as well as the growing danger posed by societal polarisation and AI.

The European Union is very grateful to Pope Leo XIV for his unwavering commitment to international law and multilateralism and for his clear voice in defence of human dignity. His address in Metz this week about Robert Schuman and the roots of the European Union was a powerful reminder that in an increasingly fragmented world, Europe can help to break the cycle of conflict through the respect for others that it has learned to cultivate and preserve.

"International law and multilateralism emphasize the genuine equality of States in their relations and constitute the best antidote to the desire for domination, which lies at the root of every conflict." (Pope Leo XIV, Metz, 28 September 2026)

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2026/september/documents/20260928-francia-radici-europa.html