Federal Chancellor Merz in Rome
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to Italy for his inaugural visit. In Rome, he met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for talks and took part in the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square.
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Chancellor Merz spoke with Georgia Meloni about security in Europe, among other things.
Photo: Federal Government / Jesco Denzel
During his inaugural visit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both heads of government emphasised the close friendship and strategic partnership between Germany and Italy. Both countries would like to expand this partnership.
After the meeting with Meloni, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, whom he sees as an anchor for justice and reconciliation, on the second day of his trip to Italy.
The topics of discussion between Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Meloni included preventing irregular migration, increasing European competitiveness and peace efforts in Ukraine.
Avoiding irregular migration
With regard to irregular migration to the European Union, there is consensus that it must be tackled more decisively than in the past. To this end, the new, more restrictive European asylum rules should be implemented quickly and cooperation with third countries should be strengthened. Secondary migration within the EU is also a problem. “We will reduce secondary migration and increase readmissions,” explained Merz.
Advancing efforts for peace in Ukraine
Pressure on Russia needs to be increased in order to further advance efforts to secure peace in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. “On Tuesday, we will allow the 17th sanctions package to take effect in the European Union. Among other things, these sanctions will target the so-called shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea,” Merz announced. A quick and complete ceasefire is critical. “That remains the clear message to Moscow from here as well,” said Merz.
Strengthening EU competitiveness
Europe is in need of fundamental modernisation and a better framework. “We will also strengthen and expand our European single market with regard to the capital markets,” announced Merz. In order to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, an ambitious trade policy and further agreements with new partners in the world are essential. Merz, for example, is in favour of the swift adoption of the MERCOSUR--Common South American Market agreement (Spanish: Mercado Común del Sur).
With respect to US customs policy, it is important that the trade conflict does not escalate.
Here you can see the stages of the journey in pictures:
Rome, 17 May 2025: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is greeted with military honours at Palazzo Chigi, the official residence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
For Merz, Italy is an "indispensable strategic partner" that Germany would like to work even more closely with in future to boost the competitiveness of companies.
The intensive efforts to end the war in Ukraine are also to continue. "We must not allow ourselves to be divided in the European Union," emphasised Merz.
There was also consensus on the subject of migration: "We will no longer hit the brakes when it comes to solving the problems in the European Union. Above all, we want to implement new, restrictive European asylum rules quickly," said Merz in the joint statement to the press.
Rome, 18 May 2025: The following morning, Federal Chancellor Merz met with Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney. Both heads of government intend to attend the ceremonial inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
Vatican, 18 May 2025: The inauguration mass in St Peter's Square is traditionally attended by believers from around the world. Hundreds of thousands of people want to participate in person in this important event.
The Federal Chancellor was accompanied by high-ranking church representatives as well as women and men from the religious sector who are committed to helping others in special ways – for example through charitable work, supporting refugees or disaster control.
At the mass, 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost receives the papal insignia. As Leo XIV, he is the successor to Pope Francis, who died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88.
For Federal Chancellor Merz, witnessing the inauguration was "an uplifting moment". The Chancellor wishes the new Pope a steady and fortunate hand in what he will do for this great church in the coming years.
Read the press statement at the start of the inaugural trip here (only german).
Solemn inauguration of the new Pope
Chancellor Merz took part in the solemn service for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. in St Peter's Square
The Federal Chancellor was accompanied by men and women from the church sector who are committed to helping others in special ways - such as through charitable work, supporting refugees or disaster control.
The Federal Chancellor would like to emphasise the importance of voluntary work for society and express his appreciation for volunteers in the church. In light of the major challenges worldwide - such as climate change and the increase in conflicts - the Federal Chancellor is counting on important impulses from Pope Leo XIV.
The delegation also included the Archbishop of Paderborn, Dr Udo Markus Bantz, Prelate Dr Anne Gidion from the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD), Prelate Dr Karl Jüsten, Head of the Commissariat of the German Bishops and Dr Irme Stetter-Karp, President of the Central Committee of German Catholics.
Read the press statement after the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Campo Santo Teutonico in Rome here (only german).