Visit to the Vatican and Rome
Federal President Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender has travelled to the Vatican for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV
October 06th, 2025
Federal President Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender has travelled to the Vatican on 22 September for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. A meeting with the Community of Sant'Egidio was planned afterwards. The Federal President also met with representatives of United Nations organisations based in Rome.
At the Vatican, Federal President Steinmeier discussed the situation of churches in Germany and global challenges with Pope Leo XIV.
The Federal President then visited Sant'Egidio, a Christian community that is committed to helping the most vulnerable members of society worldwide, including through the tireless efforts of volunteers in crisis regions.
The Federal President also met with representatives of United Nations organisations based in Rome: the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
