Pope Leo XIV received Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume V and Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg this Friday, January 23, in the Apostolic Palace. After the audience with the Pontiff, the sovereigns held a meeting in the Secretariat of State with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, responsible for relations with States.
Meeting in the Vatican with the Grand Ducal House
The Vatican Press Office’s statement underscores the cordial nature of the visit and places the exchange within the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and Luxembourg. The dialogues also addressed the ties between the Church and the State, a usual point in this type of diplomatic encounters, especially in European countries where the ecclesial presence maintains a significant role in the social and educational spheres.
Social Cohesion and Education of Young People
The official note highlights that, during the conversations in the Secretariat of State, reference was made to topics of common interest. Among them are social cohesion and the education of young people, two issues that usually occupy a central place in the Holy See’s agenda when dealing with European governments, in a context of cultural fragmentation and debate on the educational model.
Dignity of Life and the Human Person
The statement expressly mentions the safeguarding of the dignity of life and the human person as one of the matters discussed. The formulation points to a constant axis in Vatican diplomacy, which usually links contemporary political debates with the defense of life, the family, and the intrinsic dignity of every person, beyond their social condition, origin, or stage of life.
International Current Affairs and European Context
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on international current affairs, with special attention to the European scenario. The Press Office does not detail the specific topics, but the mention confirms the Holy See’s interest in closely following the political and social course of the continent at a time of internal tensions, migratory challenges, and geopolitical reordering.