Christians are always the most persecuted

He will receive both in separate audiences, in the Apostolic Palace: Lula will attend at 8:30 local time while Boric will arrive at 10:30.

The meeting between Lula da Silva and the Dad It occurs in a context of intense diplomatic activity for the Brazilian president in Rome.

Pope Leo XIV’s agenda with South American leaders

Part of the visit of the Brazilian head is part of a trip to the Italian capital to inaugurate the secretariat of the Alliance against Hunger and Povertyan initiative within the framework of his presidency of the G20 and which will have its headquarters in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In addition, the president will participate in the opening of the World Food Forum of FAO, with the aim of strengthening the structure of the Alliance and promoting international cooperation in the fight against food insecurity

For its part, Boric faces his first official visit to the Holy See accompanied by the chancellor Alberto van Klaverenthe Minister Secretary General of the Presidency, Macarena Lobosand a transversal group of senators.

In addition, the Chilean president plans to hold a bilateral meeting with the president of the Italian Republic, Sergio Matarellaand participate in activities with the FAO.

The meetings of both with Leo XIV will address a relevant agenda for Latin America and the international community: human rightshistorical memory, the humanitarian situation in Loopthe climate crisis, overcoming poverty and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the contemporary world.

These issues reflect the concerns shared by the region and the Catholic churchas well as the role of the pontiff as a reference on issues of peace, social justice and multilateralism.

Leo XIV warned: “Christians are always the most persecuted”

In parallel, in recent hours the Pope warned that, in the contemporary world, Christians continue to face persecution for their faith since “they are always more persecuted.”
However, as a reflection of solidarity, he said that “the Church does not abandon” those who suffer religious discrimination.

In this framework, the pontiff stressed that the right to religious freedom is not an optional privilege, but an essential right that must be respected in all societies.

He pointed out that even today, in some countries, Many believers are condemned, harassed or even killed simply for publicly testifying to their faith.