Vatican City: On Thursday, 6 June, Pope Leo XIV welcomed António Costa, President of the European Council, for a private audience at the Apostolic Palace. The meeting underscored the growing cooperation between the Holy See and the European Union, with a focus on major global challenges.

Following his time with the Pope, President Costa held discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Monsignor Mirosław Wachowski, Under-Secretary for Relations with States. The meetings were described as warm and constructive.

Central to the conversations was a proposal to create an international fund aimed at eradicating global hunger and supporting sustainable development in the world’s most impoverished regions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration on shared humanitarian priorities.

The dialogue also touched on pressing geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with a shared concern for peace and the protection of human life.

Later, in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Costa highlighted the Vatican's key role as a partner of the European Union in addressing global crises and promoting justice and peace across borders.