Albanese Meets New Pope Leo XIV at Vatican

Albanese Meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican Following Papal Inauguration Vatican City, Vatican – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with the newly inaugurated Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 18, 2025. The meeting, which took place following the Pope's investiture mass, was brief but significant, showcasing diplomatic relations between Australia and the Holy See. A short video released by 10 News First Australia captured the handshake and a short conversation between the two leaders. The inauguration ceremony itself drew an estimated 250,000 people to St. Peter's Basilica, highlighting the global significance of the event. World leaders, royal family members, and government officials were among those in attendance. While the specifics of Albanese's conversation with the Pope remain undisclosed, the meeting underscores the importance of the relationship between Australia and the Vatican. The video offers a visual record of this important diplomatic encounter, providing a glimpse into the atmosphere of the historic event. The meeting symbolizes the continuing dialogue and cooperation between the Australian government and the Holy See on various global issues.