Macron meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican, discusses Middle East conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, exchanging gifts including a signed French national basketball jersey during their first official meeting. The two leaders discussed the ongoing Middle East conflict and Macron extended an invitation for the Pope to visit France. This diplomatic meeting represents an important engagement between secular French leadership and the Catholic Church on global geopolitical issues. The Vatican meeting signals continued French diplomatic efforts to engage major institutional players in resolving regional conflicts.