Pope Leo and Canadian Prime Minister talk by phone

Vatican News

A phone call took place between Pope Leo XIV and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, on Friday afternoon, “on the occasion of the publication of the Encyclical Magnifica humanitas.”

According to a statement by the Holy See Press Office, “the importance of developing artificial intelligence from an ethical perspective and with a human-centred approach was discussed.”

“The conversation also touched upon questions of mutual interest at the regional and international levels, with particular reference to efforts in promoting peace, especially in the Middle East and in Ukraine,” it read.

Meeting after Mass for inauguration of pontificate

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 18, 2025, following the Mass marking the beginning of his pontificate.

Carney, a practising Catholic, had travelled to Rome with his family. Appointed Prime Minister in March 2025, the 61-year-old economist, banker, executive, and politician is the leader of Canada’s Liberal Party. He is married to Diane, and they have four children.