In a significant diplomatic engagement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday, 19 May 2025.
The private audience, held at the Apostolic Palace, marked the first meeting between an Australian Prime Minister and a pope since 2008.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Albanese formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028 for the International Eucharistic Congress, set to be hosted in Sydney.
The congress is expected to draw thousands of Catholics from around the world, marking a significant event in the Australian Catholic calendar.
The discussions between the two leaders encompassed a range of global and domestic issues.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, topics included the positive bilateral relations between Australia and the Holy See, the Catholic Church’s contribution to Australian society—particularly in education—and shared concerns over global conflicts, environmental protection, and the promotion of integral human development and religious freedom.
In a personal gesture, Pope Leo XIV blessed rosary beads that belonged to Mr Albanese’s late mother, Maryanne, who was a devout Catholic.
The Prime Minister also presented the Holy Father with a framed artwork by South Australian Indigenous artist Amanda Westley, symbolising Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to the Vatican followed his attendance at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass on Sunday, 18 May, in St Peter’s Square, which was attended by approximately 200,000 people, including numerous world leaders.
The meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Prime Minister Albanese highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Holy See and Australia, reflecting shared values and mutual interests in addressing global challenges and promoting peace and development.
