Overview

• The Holy See listed the private audience in its bulletin, held in the Pope’s library at the Apostolic Palace with the customary handshake and photos, and Salvini attended with his daughter Mirta.
• After the meeting Salvini praised Leo XIV’s appeals for peace and said he would work to ensure dialogue prevails over arms.
• Party sources said Salvini raised public works, transport and infrastructure with reference to the Jubilee.
• Italian outlets reported the conversation was expected to touch on peace in Ukraine and the future of Christians in the Middle East, with the meeting reported at about 30 minutes.
• The encounter marked a departure from the Francis years when Salvini was kept at arm’s length, and there were no announced policy outcomes or Vatican endorsements.