Pope Francis, German chancellor Scholz discuss Ukraine, conflict in Middle East

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Pope Francis and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday held a meeting in the Vatican, discussing "major challenges" including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to Vatican News. It was their first private audience.

"I am very grateful for the extensive conversation with the Pope," Scholz said after the meeting.

"We also naturally discussed the major challenges and problems of our times and talked about topics that concern us all," he said, adding that the subjects included Russia's war on Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and "how we can ensure peace and security in our world."

Scholz said they also discussed "migration and the question of justice and coexistence," as other "big questions."

"During the warm conversations in the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed over the good relations and fruitful cooperation between the Holy See and Germany, and the importance of the Christian faith in German society was emphasized," the Vatican said in a statement.