The German Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, concluded a brief visit to Rome and the Vatican on Monday, marked by a nearly hour-long private audience with Pope Leo XIV. This represented the first meeting between the German head of state and the newly appointed pontiff, who is known as Robert Francis Prevost in his private life.
Following the meeting, President Steinmeier addressed concerns regarding declining membership within the Catholic Church. He attributed this trend to a complex interplay of factors, including the ongoing repercussions of past instances of sexual abuse, broader societal secularization and the increasing religious diversity within European societies.
Steinmeier emphasized the continued importance of religious institutions in fostering social cohesion, stating his conviction that churches have a vital role to play in the stability and unity of society. He communicated this view to Pope Leo XIV during their discussion.
The President’s short trip included further engagements beyond the Vatican. In the afternoon, he is scheduled to visit the Sant’Egidio Community, a globally active social organization and hold discussions with representatives from various United Nations agencies. These include the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
