Pope Leo XIV Received an Invitation to Latvia: What Will the Vatican Respond?

During the visit, Rinkēvičs also met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The parties discussed bilateral relations, Latvia's cooperation with the Catholic Church, the situation in the field of regional security, and support for Ukraine. The President of Latvia positively assessed the role of the Holy See in international efforts to return Ukrainian prisoners of war and deported children. "Latvia firmly advocates for the return of all unlawfully displaced and deported children to Ukraine, as well as for holding Russia accountable for the crimes it has committed," emphasized Rinkēvičs. During the negotiations, the situation in the Middle East was also discussed, including the conflict with Iran. Rinkēvičs stated that Latvia supports a swift resolution that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, allow for the restoration of goods movement through the Strait of Hormuz, eliminate threats to shipping in the Red Sea, and end the suffering of the civilian population. This is the first meeting of Edgars Rinkēvičs with Pope Leo XIV since the pontiff's election on May 8, 2025, as the 267th Bishop of Rome. Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. He became the first representative of the Order of Saint Augustine to be elected Pope. The visit took place shortly after a significant date: **September 3 marked the 104th anniversary of the Concordat between Latvia and the Holy See**.