The prior of Taizé, Brother Matthew, received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIV

This morning, Friday, July 4, 2025, Brother Matthew, prior of the Taizé Community, was received in a private audience by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican. This was his first audience with the pope, who was elected on May 8.

In a fraternal atmosphere, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the great challenges of Christian unity, the ecumenical witness of Taizé for more than seventy years, and the commitment of young people to peace and justice. In addition, Brother Matthew presented Pope Leo with a booklet containing messages written by young people currently on long-term volunteer stays in Taizé.

This audience marks a new stage in the bonds of trust and dialogue between the Catholic Church and the ecumenical community of Taizé, in line with the annual audiences between previous priors and successive popes over the last few decades.