President Duda's Farewell Vatican Visit: Inviting Pope Leo XIV to Poland

President Duda's Farewell Visit

• 💡 This marked Andrzej Duda's last visit to the Vatican as president, described as historic and very personal.
• 🎯 The visit was emotional and significant for Duda, concluding his 10-year presidency.
• 🇵🇱 He also paid homage at the tomb of Pope John Paul II in St. Sebastian's Chapel, laying a wreath and entrusting Poland's future.

Meeting with Pope Leo XIV

• 🤝 Duda held a 30-minute private conversation with Pope Leo XIV, identified as the first Pope from the United States.
• 🗓️ The visit served as both a welcome for the newly elected Pope (who began his pontificate in May) and a farewell for President Duda.
• ✉️ President Duda invited Pope Leo XIV to Poland, suggesting the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in Gietrzwałd as a potential occasion.
• 🙏 He expressed conviction that Poles would joyfully welcome the Holy Father to pray together and receive a blessing for their homeland.

Diplomatic Engagements

• 🗣️ Duda discussed the situation in Poland with Pope Leo XIV, noting the Pope's prior familiarity with the country.
• 🌍 He also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and Archbishop Gallagher, discussing Poland's socio-political situation and the war in Ukraine.
• ⏭️ Duda requested that the new Polish president, Karol Nawrocki, be received by the Holy Father soon after taking office to introduce himself.