U.S. Secretary Blinken meets Pope Francis: Vatican talks address Middle East and Ukraine

CNA Newsroom, Nov 27, 2024 / 10:45 am (CNA).

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Pope Francis on Wednesday morning at the Vatican.

While the Holy See did not comment on the nature of the audience, the State Department said discussions focused on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine amid a broader European diplomatic tour.

During the Vatican meeting on Nov. 27, Blinken reportedly referenced “wonderful memories’” of his previous encounter with Pope Francis in June 2021, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between the Holy See and Washington on matters of shared concern.

Key agenda items included the recently announced Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and efforts to address the humanitarian impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to a State Department readout shared with reporters.

The encounter was followed by separate talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

G7 context and European tour

Blinken’s Vatican visit took place amid his attendance at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy, where representatives of the world’s leading democratic economies are gathering to address multiple international crises.

The G7 discussions, running from Nov. 23-27 under Italy’s 2024 rotating presidency, have focused heavily on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as Indo-Pacific security and the ongoing crises in Haiti and Sudan.

Last Saturday, G7 leaders reinforced their commitment to supporting Ukraine through continued sanctions on Russia and other measures.

Italy currently holds the rotating G7 presidency. The other member states are the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Britain.