Honduran President Xiomara Castro Meets with Pope Leo XIV in Rome
Honduran President Xiomara Castro met with Pope Leo XIV on September 19, 2025, at the Holy See in Rome, Italy, focusing on Latin America’s social challenges and the national refoundation of Honduras, reports 24brussels.
During the audience, Castro highlighted her government’s commitment to advancing policies that defend human rights, particularly concerning the protection of migrants and support for vulnerable families. She stated, “Social justice and faith must be at the center of every process of transformation,” reflecting her vision of a nation grounded in equity and solidarity.
Castro engaged in discussions with senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. These talks were part of her broader agenda to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Vatican.
This meeting marks Castro’s third visit to the Vatican since her presidency began in January 2022. Her previous engagements included meetings with Pope Francis in October 2022 and attendance at papal funeral rites in April 2023, underscoring a commitment to an institutional relationship built on mutual respect and dialogue.
Closing her official schedule, President Castro reiterated her dedication to constructing a **Honduras** rooted in peace, development, and dignity while adhering to universal principles of justice, solidarity, and fraternity. The dialogues during this visit could influence future policies and bilateral relations as Honduras navigates its path through complex societal issues.
As the region continues to grapple with socioeconomic inequalities and democratic challenges, Castro’s discussions with the Pope and Vatican officials could have significant implications for Honduras and its role within Latin America.
Furthermore, the engagement highlights the increasing intersection of religion and politics in the pursuit of social transformation, as leaders seek collaborative approaches to pressing issues such as environmental sustainability and human rights protections.
