Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will pay an official visit to Vatican City and Rome on Monday, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén, the Prime Minister’s Press Office confirmed to Hungarian News Agency MTI.

Orbán’s first meeting with the Pope

During his visit to the Holy See, Orbán will be received in private audience by Pope Leo XIV, marking their first bilateral meeting. The Hungarian prime minister is also scheduled to hold talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, HVG reported.

Orbán’s other meetings in Italy

Following his engagements at the Vatican, Orbán will travel to Rome for a working meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi, the official residence of the Italian head of government. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, European political developments, and issues related to migration and family policy: topics both governments have previously highlighted as shared priorities.

PM Orbán got a new pipeline from Meloni in Rome
Orbán and Meloni in Budapest. Photo: Facebook/Orbán Viktor

Additionally, Orbán will meet Fra’ John Timothy Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, to discuss humanitarian cooperation between Hungary and the Order, which has been active in supporting refugees and vulnerable communities in Central Europe.

Italian newspaper Domani first reported the upcoming visit on Saturday, confirming that the Hungarian prime minister would meet both Pope Leo XIV and Giorgia Meloni during his stay in Rome.