Pope Francis meets with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Pope Francis meets with the Chancellor of Germany, discussing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the refugee crisis.

By Mario Galgano and Joseph Tulloch

Pope Francis has received German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Vatican.

Although the two had already met at Pope Benedict XVI's funeral at the beginning of 2023, this was their first private audience. They had also spoken on the phone - after the start of the war in Ukraine two years ago, for example.

After his meeting with the Pope, Chancellor Scholz met with Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

"I am very grateful for the extensive conversation with the Pope," the Social Democratic politician said after he had finished his visit.

"We also naturally discussed the major challenges and problems of our times and talked about topics that concern us all," Chancellor Scholz continued. He then listed the topics:

"The Russian aggression against Ukraine, the many deaths that this war has already caused, and the threat to the independence and freedom of Ukraine. We also discussed the war in the Middle East and discussed how we can ensure peace and security in our world."

Other "big questions" under discussion included “migration and the question of justice and coexistence".

An official statement from the Vatican Press Office read: "During the warm conversations in the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed over the good relations and fruitful cooperation between the Holy See and Germany, and the importance of the Christian faith in German society was emphasized."

Chancellor Scholz gave the Pope the official football of the upcoming European Championships, which will be hosted in Germany, as well as a white porcelain bear with a German flag on it.

The Pope gave the politician a bronze artwork entitled "Social Love." It depicts a child helping another to stand up. The bronze work bears the inscription "Amare Aiutare" (Love to Help).