Macron and Léon XIV: a focus on the international

A timely visit. While the United States and Iran have announced a fragile ceasefire, Emmanuel Macron is due to meet Pope Leo

During their tête-à-tête, the two heads of state will conduct “an open and in-depth dialogue” on international issues, while the eyes of the whole world are on the Strait of Hormuz. The “crisis” in the Middle East will thus be the central subject of discussions, with a notable concern for Lebanon, for which Léon XIV and Emmanuel Macron have “particular attention and sensitivity”. The situation in Gaza, in Syria, and more broadly “the status and fate of Christians in the Middle East”, will also be discussed.

Another sign that the French president wants to place his trip on the international scene: on the evening of Thursday April 9, 2026, he will meet the Sant’Egidio community. Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly demonstrated his closeness to this Catholic organization for peace and in particular to its founder, the Italian Andrea Riccardi. For the politician, this visit is therefore part of his fight to reaffirm “European sovereignty”.

End of life

However, national issues should not be forgotten. Starting with social issues, which the Élysée recognizes can fall within the framework of “normal bilateral dialogue”. It is therefore expected that Leo

The delegation which will accompany the French president has not yet been communicated, but Jean-Marc Sauvé should be part of it. Former vice-president of the Council of States, president of the Fondation des Apprentis d’Auteuil for a few more weeks, the retired senior civil servant is best known for having chaired the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (Ciase). His presence alongside Emmanuel Macron can therefore be seen as a mark of support from the president for the work of the commission, especially since its statistical methods had been criticized by some in Rome.

The Élysée also refused to confirm whether an invitation to go to France would be transmitted by the head of state to Leo XIV. This is however probable, especially since Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the Conference of Bishops of France, assured a few days ago that he was “working on it”. As the Pope does not traditionally visit a country during an electoral period, such a trip should quickly materialize if it takes place in 2026, otherwise he would risk being sent back until after the presidential election.