Pope Francis receives German president in audience

Holy See Press Office communiqué

This morning, 25 October, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial talks, the Parties discussed the recent internal political developments within the country. Attention then turned to matters of mutual interest, especially the question of migration and various situations of international conflict, as well as the importance of multilateral commitment to the search for a solution.

Exchange of gifts

During the encounter, President Steinmeier presented the Pope with an illustration of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Tree of Life, while Pope Francis, for his part, gave the German president copies of his 2021 Message for Peace and the Document on Human Fraternity; a book on the Statio Orbis of 27 March 2020, published by the LEV; and a mosaic of Noah, with a description in German.