President of Moldova tells Pope Leo about "the faith that unites"

President of Moldova Maia Sandu at a meeting with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, September 12, 2025 Photo: newsmaker

On September 12, 2025, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, during an official visit to Italy, met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen Moldova's external partnership, discuss the role of faith and Christian values, and promote the country's course towards solidarity and European integration, reports NewsMaker.

During the audience, Sandu emphasized the importance of peace and faith, "which unites". She told the pontiff about the Moldovans' commitment to Christian values, preserved even during the years of persecution under the Soviet regime, as well as Moldova's demonstrated solidarity in the context of the war in the neighboring country. Pope Leo XIV, in turn, assured that "Moldova is seen and heard".

The President added that with God's help and the hard work of the people, the republic will be able to build a worthy future in the "big European family".

It is noted that Sandu has been on a working visit to Italy since September 10. Earlier, she held meetings with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Senate President Ignazio La Russa. Cooperation between the countries and the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova were discussed in the negotiations. It was also reported that from November, the updated agreement on the recognition of Moldovan driver's licenses in Italy will come into force.

Recall that on the eve of the parliamentary elections in Moldova, scheduled for September 28, the country's authorities announced the interference of the Orthodox Church in the political process. According to the government and the CEC, certain clergymen allegedly spread pro-Russian narratives and participated in propaganda. Brussels called this part of a "hybrid war."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Moldova's authorities accused the Orthodox Church of interfering in the elections.

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