Vatican City: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pope Leo XIV met with Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, during a formal audience held on Monday morning at the Vatican.
Following the private meeting with the Holy Father, President Vila Nova also held discussions with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
According to an official communiqué from the Holy See Press Office, the meetings were held in a spirit of cordiality, reaffirming the strong and friendly ties between the Holy See and the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe.
The conversations touched on the country’s political and socio-economic landscape, with a particular focus on the ongoing collaboration between the local Church and the State, especially in the health and education sectors. The leaders emphasized the importance of nurturing youth development throughout the archipelago.
The talks also included a broader exchange of views on regional and international matters, highlighting the Holy See's consistent emphasis on dialogue and cooperation as essential tools for global peace and progress.
The encounter reflects the Vatican’s continued commitment to strengthening its partnerships with African nations and supporting development through shared humanitarian and ethical priorities.