January 28, 2025

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Italy Thursday, January 29, 2026

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will be in Rome on Thursday, January 29, for a series of institutional meetings with the Holy See and some of the highest authorities of the Italian Republic.

During the morning, President Metsola will be received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and will have a bilateral meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.

Meetings will follow with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana.

President Metsola will then speak at the event "De Gasperi's Legacy: A Europe in Defense of Freedom," held at the European Parliament building in Piazza Venezia 11, in the presence of Vice-Presidents Pina Picierno and Antonella Sberna and Italian Members of the European Parliament.

The visit is part of the ongoing dialogue between European, national, and religious institutions on the main political issues and founding values ​​of the EU, with particular attention to the geopolitical situation, the protection of freedom, competitiveness, and Europe's role in the international context.

PLAN

Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Rome

09:30
President Metsola's audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

10:00
Meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See

11:30
Meeting with Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of the Republic

2.45pm
Meeting with Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies

3:30 PM
Meeting with Giorgia Meloni - Prime Minister

4:15 PM
Speech by President Metsola - "De Gasperi's Legacy: A Europe of Defense of Freedom" - Press accreditation at the entrance to the European Parliament office.