Pope receives Australia’s prime minister, who invites him to visit nation
May 21, 2025
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia met with Pope Leo XIV on May 19 (video) and invited the Pontiff to visit the nation for the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress.
“Honoured to have an audience at the Vatican today with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” the prime minister tweeted. “The Holy Father’s message to the world of peace and social justice is inspiring.”
Following the audience—during which the Pope blessed the Rosary of the prime minister’s mother—Albanese met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
The parties discussed “the socio-political situation of the country, focusing in particular on themes of mutual interest, including environmental protection, integral human development and the freedom of religion,” according to a Vatican statement.
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