Pope discusses Afghan refugees with president of European Council

Pope Francis meets with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and discusses the plight of people who have fled Afghanistan.

By Vatican News staff reporter

The Holy See Press Office announced on Saturday that the Pope met with Mr. Charles Michel that same morning in the Apostolic Palace.

A press statement said the President of the European Council and Pope Francis engaged in “cordial” dialogue which touched on several regional and international items of interest.

The two men paid particular attention to the situation of Afghan refugees who have fled in the wake of the Taliban takeover of the country last month.

Pope Francis and Mr. Michel also spoke about the challenges facing Europe, in reference to the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe.

Mr. Michel then met separately with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

According to its website, the European Council defines the European Union’s “overall political direction and priorities” by identifying “issues of concern and actions to take.”

The Council is made up of the heads of state or government of the EU’s 27 member states, as well as the President of the European Commission.