ROME, ITALY & VATICAN CITY — Prime Minister Mark Carney held a series of high-level meetings this weekend with global leaders ahead of and on the margins of the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The gatherings served to reaffirm Canada’s multilateral priorities on trade, peace in Ukraine and Gaza, and global cooperation on food security.
🇮🇹 Strengthening Canada-Italy Relations
On May 17, Carney met separately with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both congratulated Carney on his election win. Discussions with Meloni focused on expanding the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation, particularly in energy, investment, and innovation. The leaders also committed to stronger trade and defence ties and shared support for Ukraine.
🇺🇦 Ongoing Support for Ukraine
In a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s enduring commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and military, financial, and humanitarian support. The two leaders agreed that a just and lasting peace must include Ukraine at the table and pledged to remain closely engaged.
🇩🇪 Canada-Germany Economic and Defence Partnership
On May 18, Carney met with newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where both leaders expressed intent to deepen trade and investment between Canada and Germany — particularly in energy and defence industrial capacity. They also discussed supporting Ukraine and broader efforts to uphold global peace and security.
🌍 Multilateral Engagement at the Vatican
During the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square, Carney held conversations with leaders from Australia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Croatia, Israel, Ireland, Paraguay, and Nigeria. The Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s new mandate to diversify trade and build strong commercial partnerships with international allies.
🇮🇱 Statement on Gaza and Hostages
In his exchange with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Carney reiterated Canada’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanded the release of all hostages held by Hamas. He reaffirmed Canada’s support for a two-state solution and stressed that Hamas must lay down arms and have no future role in governing Gaza.
🌾 Meeting with WFP’s Cindy H. McCain
Carney also met with World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy H. McCain, reaffirming Canada’s $100 million humanitarian commitment earlier this year and praising the WFP’s lifesaving work in Gaza. He again urged an immediate ceasefire to ensure that food and aid reach civilians in urgent need.
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