French President Macron to meet Pope Leo at the Vatican

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the Vatican to meet Pope Leo on Friday (April 10) in the first official visit by the French head of state since the beginning of the pontificate of the first American pope in history, who succeeded Pope Francis in May 2025.

One week after the Easter celebrations, during which Pope Leo called on those who "have the power to start wars" to “choose peace,” the two leaders are expected to focus on the conflict in the Middle East and its repercussions, especially on Lebanon, which Leo visited in December.

The meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Leo XIV will provide an opportunity for “in-depth dialogue on peace-related issues and responses to international crises,” Macron's office said.

-Antonio Denti, Roberto Mignucci, Oriana Boselli/Reuters