Prime Minister Albanese Invites Pope Leo XIV to Australia During Historic Meeting
Australia's Prime Minister extends an invitation to the newly elected pontiff during a private audience at the Vatican, marking the first engagement with an Australian leader in 16 years.
In a landmark meeting at the Vatican City, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held talks with Pope Leo XIV, marking the first private audience between a pope and an Australian leader in 16 years.
The meeting took place on May 19, 2025, when Albanese was welcomed by the Swiss Guard and escorted to the Apostolic Palace, the pope's official residence.
During the private audience, Pope Leo XIV expressed his blessings on a set of rosary beads belonging to Albanese's late mother, who was a devout Catholic.
In return, Albanese presented the pope with a piece of artwork created by an Indigenous Australian artist, symbolizing Australia’s cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Albanese congratulated Pope Leo on his recent election, highlighting the significance of the Holy See's contribution in fostering dialogue aimed at achieving peace.
Furthermore, the prime minister formally invited the new pontiff to attend the World Eucharistic Congress slated to be hosted in Sydney in 2028. This congress is expected to draw significant international attention and participation.
Pope Leo XIV has a history of engagements with Australia, having visited multiple times in his previous capacity as the head of the Augustinian order.
Catholic leaders in Australia express optimism regarding the pope’s potential visit, reinforcing the established ties between the Australian Catholic community and the Vatican.
The meeting with Albanese was part of a high-profile series of diplomatic engagements for Pope Leo XIV, who met with several international leaders during his initial days in office.
Notably, he also engaged in discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underlining his commitment to global diplomacy and pastoral outreach.
The meeting took place on May 19, 2025, when Albanese was welcomed by the Swiss Guard and escorted to the Apostolic Palace, the pope's official residence.
During the private audience, Pope Leo XIV expressed his blessings on a set of rosary beads belonging to Albanese's late mother, who was a devout Catholic.
In return, Albanese presented the pope with a piece of artwork created by an Indigenous Australian artist, symbolizing Australia’s cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Albanese congratulated Pope Leo on his recent election, highlighting the significance of the Holy See's contribution in fostering dialogue aimed at achieving peace.
Furthermore, the prime minister formally invited the new pontiff to attend the World Eucharistic Congress slated to be hosted in Sydney in 2028. This congress is expected to draw significant international attention and participation.
Pope Leo XIV has a history of engagements with Australia, having visited multiple times in his previous capacity as the head of the Augustinian order.
Catholic leaders in Australia express optimism regarding the pope’s potential visit, reinforcing the established ties between the Australian Catholic community and the Vatican.
The meeting with Albanese was part of a high-profile series of diplomatic engagements for Pope Leo XIV, who met with several international leaders during his initial days in office.
Notably, he also engaged in discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underlining his commitment to global diplomacy and pastoral outreach.
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