This morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the European Council, His Excellency Mr. Charles Michel, who also met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, a number of international and regional political issues were discussed, with attention to the situation of Afghan refugees.

In the course of the conversation, reference was made to the forthcoming challenges facing the continent in view of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

From the Vatican, 11 September 2021