Australian Prime Minister to Attend Pope’s Inauguration

Albanese will hold informal trade talks on the sidelines, revisiting stalled EU free trade agreement discussions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia on May 9, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed he will travel to Vatican City this week to witness the inauguration of the newly elected pope.

The official ceremony is set to take place on May 18 in St. Peter’s Square.

“My intention—we are sorting out logistics at the moment—is to travel from Jakarta to Rome and to the Vatican City to be able to attend and represent Australia at that event which will be so important for Catholics around the world and those of faith here in Australia as well,” Albanese told reporters on May 12.

While there, the prime minister is also expecting to engage in informal discussions with other international leaders, with trade featuring high on the agenda.

Albanese said he anticipates raising the issue of tariffs during the visit, particularly in the context of Australia’s previous free trade agreement negotiations with the EU.

Negotiations collapsed after Australia rejected the EU’s proposed access for Australian agricultural products to the European market, pushing for more “meaningful access.” It also refused the EU’s demands for geographical indicators.

“We chose not to conclude that because it wasn’t in Australia’s national interest, but quite clearly in today’s uncertain world, with tariffs and trade issues being so central, no doubt there will be discussions,” Albanese said.

Reflecting on the personal significance of the trip, he added: “And I will take the opportunity as well as having what will be an incredible honour for me, I have got to say. It was Mother’s Day yesterday and can I say this—my mum would be pretty chuffed at the idea that her son will be going as prime minister to see the inauguration of a Pope in the Vatican City.”

Pope Leo XIV: A Historic Choice

Pope Leo XIV, who takes over following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88, becomes the first American and the first native English-speaking pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.

His election was confirmed on May 8 after a swift two-day conclave, making it one of the shortest papal elections on record.

Cardinal Prevost, 69, was introduced to the crowd in St Peter’s Square as the 267th pope.

Considered a moderate within the church, Pope Leo XIV was elevated to cardinal in 2023 by the late Pope Francis.

Before his appointment to the Vatican, he spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru and holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.

Praised for his contributions to the Church in South America, Pope Leo XIV has generally maintained a low public profile, even after taking on senior roles within the Vatican.