MONITORING DESK
ISLAMABAD: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid her first official visit to Pope Francis on Thursday, discussing with him key concerns such as family issues and fight against poverty.
The two leaders also discussed the migration and war in Ukraine, a statement issued from the Vatican said.
The Prime Minister met the Pope for 35 minutes and then spoke to Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Vatican’s foreign minister Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
Italy’s demographic problems discussed
In the meeting with Parlin, Meloni discussed the demographic problems of Italy, which pose concerns for the country’s future.
Meloni, who leads a far-right coalition after winning elections in September, is a staunch advocate of the so-called “traditional” family, with critical views on LGBT and abortion rights. She was accompanied on her visit to the Vatican City by her daughter Ginevra and her unmarried partner.
Meloni has repeatedly vowed to assist families in raising their children, part of an attempt to reverse the worrying demographic decline of Italy.
