Christian World | Pope Leo XIV received Chilean President José Antonio Kast at the Vatican on Wednesday, with migration and demographic decline among the issues discussed

ACW | November 4, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV received Chilean President José Antonio Kast Rist in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on Wednesday morning, the Holy See Press Office said.

Kast then met Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states and international organizations, at the Secretariat of State, the press office said in a statement.

During the cordial talks, "the good existing relations between the Holy See and Chile were emphasized," the statement said. It said the talks also noted the Catholic Church's important contribution to Chile's social and spiritual life, including popular religiosity.

The two sides discussed regional and international issues of common interest, with particular attention to migration and demographic decline, according to the press office. The pope and the president exchanged gifts, Vatican News reported.

Background: The meeting came in the final days before the pope's trip to Latin America; ACW earlier reported that Pope Leo will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on a 12-day trip.

Why it matters: Migration was one of two issues singled out in the Holy See's account of the talks, which also highlighted the Catholic Church's role in Chile's social life.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Holy See Press Office — Audience with the President of the Republic of Chile; Vatican News — Pope Leo receives President of Chile at the Vatican

Photo: Vatican Media