Pope urges Italy to remain open to migrants in meeting with president

Pope Leo with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Presidential Palace in Rome (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Pope Leo XIV thanked Italy on Tuesday for its efforts to combat human trafficking but urged the country to remain open to welcoming and integrating migrants as he took part in a pomp-filled meeting with the Italian president.

Leo completed the rite of passage for every new pope by travelling across Rome to the Qurinale Palace for a meeting with President Sergio Mattarella.