<a href='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/ck.php?n=afef72b0&cb=288' target='_blank'><img data-src='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=288&n=afef72b0' border='0' alt='' /></a>The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on Thursday morning. This was President Metsola's second audience with the pontiff, having a private audience with the late Pope Francis in October 2024. President Metsola also met Pope Leo during his inauguration ceremony last May. In Rome, President Metsola also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi. During the meeting, President Metsola and Prime Minister Meloni had constructive discussions on how Europe can rise up to the moment and work together "for a stronger, safer and more united Europe."