Albanese Meets Pope Leo XIV: A Warm Exchange in Vatican City

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on May 19, 2025, following the Pope's inauguration mass. The meeting, described by Albanese as "a very warm discussion," included a personal reflection on his late mother. "I spoke to him about my mother... I'm sure she's looking down from heaven with the biggest smile she's ever had." Albanese also conveyed the good wishes of Australia's five million Catholics to Pope Leo XIV for his pontificate. This brief but significant meeting highlights the ongoing relationship between Australia and the Vatican.