The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV held a formal audience on Friday with Ireland’s Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the Holy See and Ireland.
Following the meeting with the Pope, the Irish leader also held discussions at the Secretariat of State with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who oversees relations with states and international organizations.
Talks were described as warm and constructive, with both sides acknowledging the strong and stable relationship between Ireland and the Holy See. Key topics included Ireland’s socio-economic conditions and the evolving relationship between the Church and the Irish government, particularly in the area of education.
The discussions also expanded to broader international concerns, including developments in Europe and the Middle East. Both sides exchanged views on efforts toward peace in these regions, as well as the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation in global affairs.
