During her official visit to the Vatican, the President of Georgia held an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis.

According to the Presidential Administration, a new phase of cooperation with the Vatican begins with the President's visit. The deepening of relations between the states was highlighted at the meeting.

It is of great importance for Georgia to deepen and strengthen relations with the Vatican in the field of Georgian culture, education and science.

During the face-to-face meeting with the Pope, the President discussed the situation in the region and Georgia's role. The conversation focused on recent developments. The importance of Georgian mediation between Azerbaijan and Armenia was stressed. The President noted that it was impossible to resolve conflicts and de-escalate situation without dialogue.

The President of Georgia also spoke about the grave humanitarian situation and human rights violations in the occupied territories of Georgia, including restrictions on freedom of movement and kidnappings.

The conversation also focused on pediatric oncology, which is one of the most serious issues for Georgia, and the Vatican Children's Hospital expressed readiness to cooperate in this direction, which is a very good fact for Georgia.

The President of Georgia spoke with the Pope on climate change and environmental issues, emphasizing the role of small countries and the importance of strengthening them, as small countries alone do not have the power to voice their views and positions on such global issues.

During the meeting with the Pope, the President of Georgia noted that the issue of Georgian Orthodox churches in the occupied territories was a very important issue for Georgia.