Portuguese President António José Seguro meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican

Private audience at the Apostolic Palace

Portuguese President António José Seguro arrived at the San Damaso Courtyard in the Vatican at approximately 08:45 local time on Thursday, accompanied by his wife, Margarida Maldonado Freitas, for his first official visit to the Holy See. Greeted by a Swiss Guard honour detachment, Seguro held a private meeting lasting between 40 and 45 minutes with Pope Leo XIV in the papal private library. Following the private discussion, the Portuguese delegation, including Ambassador Maria Amélia Paiva, Secretary of State for European Affairs Inês Domingos, Chief of Staff Cláudia Ribeiro, and Chief of State Protocol Francisco Vaz Patto, joined the audience for an exchange of gifts. Seguro presented the pontiff with a porcelain sculpture of Christ crucified manufactured by Vista Alegre and designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Pope Leo XIV presented a decorative piece titled Cornucopia, replicating pavement motifs from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Peter's Basilica, alongside a book about the Vatican.

Discussions on diplomacy, conflicts, and cost of living

During their conversation, the two leaders addressed geopolitical tensions, artificial intelligence, and socioeconomic challenges. Seguro discussed the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, calling for arrangements to ensure the free movement of all vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to lower crude oil prices and ease inflationary pressure on basic goods. The Portuguese president noted that rising living costs have left many people in Portugal unable to make their money last until the end of the month. Both figures urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in both Iran and Ukraine, advocating for negotiated settlements over armed conflict.

Não há nenhum problema que a mente humana não consiga avaliar e que a boa vontade não consiga resolver.

Papal invitation and diplomatic meetings

Following the audience with Pope Leo XIV, Seguro met in the Hall of Treaties with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. Their discussion covered bilateral cooperation, migration, multilateral institutions, and compliance with international law. Seguro also visited the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica before addressing reporters at the Portuguese Embassy to the Holy See. During the briefing, Seguro confirmed that he renewed a formal invitation, originally sent in May, for Pope Leo XIV to visit Portugal in 2027. That proposed year coincides with the 500th anniversary of permanent Holy See diplomatic representation in Portugal and the 110th anniversary of Fátima, though the Vatican has not yet confirmed dates due to the pontiff's schedule.

Assessment of António Guterres's UN tenure

Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of his Vatican visit, Seguro commented on the United Nations General Assembly debate in New York and the record of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose mandate concludes in three months. Seguro observed that Guterres had led the organization during the most difficult period, pointing to a weakening of multilateral institutions and the financial dependency of the UN on member states, particularly the United States. He commended the former Portuguese prime minister for adhering to principles of peace and human dignity throughout his term.

Naturalmente que não correu tudo como ele gostaria, mas este é um momento de lhe prestarmos homenagem pela sua tenacidade na defesa dos valores da paz e da dignidade humana.