SADNEWS: Rafael Grossi’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV has sparked international curiosity, as their discussion on nuclear disarmament and Iran comes just before key IAEA meetings.
According to Saed News, Pope Leo XIV Meets IAEA Chief Grossi: A Message of Peace Before Critical Iran Talks
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced on Friday through a post on social media platform X that he had met with Pope Leo XIV. The two figures discussed the agency’s work on nuclear non-proliferation, with special references to Iran and Ukraine.
Grossi highlighted the Pope’s powerful words, describing his message as “an inspiring vision of peace—without weapons, disarming, humble, and lasting.” According to Grossi, this moral perspective adds weight to the IAEA’s ongoing efforts to ensure nuclear safety and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
The meeting comes just days before the IAEA Board of Governors’ seasonal session on Monday and the agency’s General Conference on September 14. Observers believe that this encounter could influence the tone of upcoming debates on Iran’s nuclear program and international security.
In addition to his IAEA role, Grossi has recently announced his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. His Vatican visit is therefore interpreted by some analysts as a diplomatic move that blends moral authority with international politics, potentially boosting his global profile.
While Grossi refrained from disclosing detailed outcomes of his dialogue with Pope Leo XIV, his reference to Iran and Ukraine has stirred speculation. Many wonder whether the Pope’s moral stance could translate into stronger international support for nuclear diplomacy in these crisis areas.
The meeting symbolizes the intersection of faith, morality, and global diplomacy. For many, it raises the question of whether religious leadership can still play a meaningful role in shaping international security in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions.