Lula holds first meeting with Pope Leo XIV at Vatican
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday (Oct. 13). On social media, Lula said he spoke with the pontiff about “religion, faith, Brazil, and the immense challenges we face in the world.”
“I congratulated the Holy Father on the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te and its message that faith cannot be separated from love for the poorest. I told him we must build a broad movement of indignation against inequality, and I see the document as a reference that should be read and put into practice by everyone,” Lula wrote.
Lula also spoke with Leo XIV about his participation in today’s meeting at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and highlighted that, in two and a half years, Brazil has been removed from the Hunger Map for the second time.
“We are now bringing this debate to the world through the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty,” he stated.
Círio de Nazaré
In his post, the president also said he had invited the pontiff to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in November in Belém, “given the historic importance of holding a Climate Conference for the first time in the heart of the Amazon.”
“Due to the Jubilee, the Pope informed us that he will not be able to participate, but he has ensured Vatican representation in Belém,” Lula added.
Finally, Lula mentioned a visit by the Pope to Brazil, though the date has not yet been set. “We are very happy to know that His Holiness intends to visit Brazil at the appropriate time. He will be warmly welcomed with the affection, hospitality, and faith of the Brazilian people,” he wrote.
“I mentioned that yesterday we witnessed an immense demonstration of this faith at the Círio de Nazaré and during the celebrations of Our Lady of Aparecida Day, the patron saint of Brazil,” he added.
Accompanying Lula at the meeting with Leo XIV were First Lady Janja da Silva; Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira; Minister of Development, Social Assistance, Family, and Fight Against Hunger Wellington Dias; and Minister of Agrarian Development and Agriculture Paulo Teixeira.
