Prime Minister meets with Pope Leo XIV
On Saturday, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
The Prime Minister thanked the Pope for his tireless commitment to peace and justice—something the world greatly needs today—and for his clear and firm support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
“Lithuania shares a special bond with the Holy See, one that is of great historical significance to us. We remember with deep respect that the Holy See never recognized the Soviet occupation. Support for those fighting for freedom and the protection of human dignity remains critically important today,” said Prime Minister Ruginienė.
With the experience of occupation still vivid in the memories of many people—including the persecution of believers and restrictions on religious freedom—Lithuania understands well the importance of supporting Ukraine in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term security.
The Prime Minister also met with the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, to discuss the regional situation, the international environment, and bilateral relations between Lithuania and the Holy See.
Prime Minister Ruginienė emphasized that securing the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia was one of Lithuania’s top humanitarian priorities. Since the beginning of the war, thousands of Ukrainians—mostly women and children—have found safe refuge in Lithuania.
As part of her visit to the Vatican, the Prime Minister also met with the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, to thank the Order for its important humanitarian work in Lithuania and around the world.
“The Order of Malta has continued to provide help to the most vulnerable and those in need ever since the restoration of independence in Lithuania, and it is always present wherever humanitarian assistance is most urgently required in the world. This is extraordinarily noble work of immeasurable value,” the Prime Minister said, noting that reducing social exclusion and poverty is also among the key priorities of the current Government.
Humanitarian aid to Ukraine, social and healthcare projects in Lithuania, and international cooperation in response to humanitarian crises were also discussed.
Prime Minister Ruginienė also met with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, and the Sisters of the Order of St Basil the Great and visited the Pontifical Lithuanian College of St Casimir.