The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on Thursday morning.

 Metsola stated that she was "grateful for the clarity of his intentions and for our shared reflections on advancing peace through dialogue in Europe and throughout the world." 

This was President Metsola's second audience with the pontiff, having a private audience with the late Pope Francis in October 2024. President Metsola also met Pope Leo during his inauguration ceremony last May. 

 In Rome, President Metsola also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi.  

During the meeting, President Metsola and Prime Minister Meloni had constructive discussions on how Europe can rise up to the moment and work together "for a stronger, safer and more united Europe."

In the Italian capital, the President of the European Parliament also received a warm welcome from Ignazio La Russa, the President of the Italian Senate, and Lorenzo Fontana, the President of the Chamber of Deputies.