Secretary General Alain Berset paid an official visit to the Holy See, where he was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The Secretary General conveyed his warmest congratulations to His Holiness on his election and took the opportunity to reaffirm the deep appreciation of the Council of Europe for the Holy See's longstanding and meaningful engagement in its work over more than five decades.
The audience was a valuable occasion to reaffirm a shared vision of an international order rooted in human dignity, fundamental rights, and justice. Both the Secretary General and His Holiness expressed grave concern over the rise in violence and impunity across the world, as well as democratic backsliding, polarisation and all forms of discrimination.
The war of aggression against Ukraine featured prominently in the discussions. The Secretary General commended the Holy See's continued diplomatic efforts in support of a just and lasting peace, including recent contacts initiated by Pope Leo XIV.
The situation of Children of Ukraine was highlighted during this meeting too. The fate of Children of Ukraine affected by the conflict remains particularly concerning, and both sides discussed opportunities for enhanced humanitarian co-ordination with relevant actors, including through the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the situation of Children of Ukraine.
The discussions also covered the Council of Europe's initiatives to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and for all human rights violations. The Secretary General provided an update on the work of the European Court of Human Rights, the Register of Damage, the future Claims Commission and Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The ongoing severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent Israeli attack on Iran was also addressed during the audience.
Pope Leo XIV reiterated his full support for the Council of Europe as a peace project dedicated to upholding these values on the European continent.
Following the meeting with His Holiness, the Secretary General held in-depth discussions with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
The Secretary General expressed appreciation for the Holy See's recent contributions to critical discussions on artificial intelligence, fundamental rights, and environmental protection-particularly the shared ethical commitment to human dignity.
They discussed the Holy See's potential accession to the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and human rights, democracy and the rule of law, which is currently under consideration by relevant departments of the Vatican. The Holy See contributed to the drafting process of the Convention.
The Council of Europe's work on migration, an issue of central importance for the Holy See, was also on the agenda and will further discussed at technical level.
Finally, they exchanged views on the Council of Europe's New Democratic Pact (2025 Report), which has attracted considerable interest within the Vatican. Cardinal Parolin emphasised that there can be no true democracy without strong adherence to core values such as respect for minorities and for opposition voices within democratic processes. Without values, he noted, democracy risks becoming merely a mechanical system. He encouraged the Council of Europe to continue its work to rebuild trust in democracy across Europe, particularly among younger generations.
Background
The Holy See enjoys observer status with the Council of Europe since 7 March 1970. The Holy See is a Party to 9 Conventions especially in the field of culture, education, protection of heritage and trans frontier television.
It is a Member of the Development Bank, North-South Centre, Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes and MONEYVAL.
