President Metsola had an audience with the Pope on 25 October 2024 that lasted half an hour. They discussed the main topics on the European agenda including:

• Ukraine where the President reiterated that the EU, as a peace project, is unwavering in its strong support to Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression;
• Migration, where the President stressed the need for a European and human-centric approach leaving no country, and no individual in need of protection alone;
• Middle East where the President stressed Europe’s effort to de-escalate, as well as the need to find a sustainable way forward in the region to achieve long-term peace;
• Venezuela, where the President affirmed that the European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela in their struggle for democracy.

The President stressed that humanity and the quest for peace will always remain at the centre of the European Parliament’s work and praised the Pope’s tireless work and leadership in promoting reconciliation and peace.