PHOTO // Moldovan president, alongside her mother, sister, received in audience by Pope Leo XIV

President Maia Sandu, alongside her mother and sister, today was received in an audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The discussion provided an opportunity for an exchange of opinions on the promotion of peace, solidarity and Christian values in a world marked by multiple challenges.

The head of state said that the participants in the meeting had discussed "the faith that keeps us together and our country's journey towards a better life."

"Today, I had the honor to meet Pope Leo XIV. I told him about the kindness and generosity of Moldovans, how our people stay deeply attached to Christian values. Even in hard times, when the Soviet regime deported priests and turned churches into stables, people protected the holy places as best they could and kept the faith alive. We also spoke about how, with a war at our border, we knew how to show compassion and solidarity. That's how we've become known as a small country with a big heart. Faith and goodwill keep our nation resilient and dignified. His Holiness assured me that Moldova is seen, that Moldova is heard. With God's will and through our work, we will forge a future in dignity and peace within the great European family," said Maia Sandu.

After the meeting with the Pontiff, President Maia Sandu had a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

According to a communiqué from the Vatican Press Office, "during the cordial meeting at the Secretariat of State, joy was expressed regarding the present positive  bilateral relations and the wish for their further consolidation."

"Subsequently, the talks referred to the situation of peace and security at the local, regional, and international levels, with a specific reference to the recent developments in Ukraine," the press release also reads.

President Maia Sandu pays a working visit to Italy and the Vatican on September 10-12. In Rome, the head of state had a meeting with President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The officials discussed deepening bilateral relations, Italy's support for Moldova's European path, expanding economic cooperation and support for the Moldovan community from Italy. Also, Maia Sandu had a meeting with President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa.