Rome | Anthony Albanese formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028 in a personal audience with the new pontiff in which he presented him with a framed work by Indigenous artist Amanda Westley.

The prime minister was escorted to the Apostolic Palace by Swiss Guard late on Monday and spoke to Leo about their shared concern for global conflict and the resulting humanitarian impacts. Promoting an end to current wars has been a central theme of Leo’s message since he was elected by the papal conclave on May 8.