"Good morning.
– Welcome.
Thank you very much."
This is how Chile’s president arrived at the Vatican to meet Pope Leo XIV. Kast’s visit was part of his European tour. And he brought along some gifts for the pope.
"A good wine, to celebrate."
He also presented a restored statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Originally from Spain, it once belonged to a convent of French nuns in Argentina.
"It’s very old."
The meeting with Pope Leo lasted about 45 minutes.
Afterward, Kast made his way into St. Peter’s Square.
Curious visitors approached to see who he was. Others recognized him immediately and took the opportunity to get a picture with the Chilean president.
Kast made a brief statement to the press. He spoke about Pope Leo XIV’s interest in the family, particularly amidst declining birth rates. He also had this to say:
JOSÉ ANTONIO KAST
President of Chile
The Holy Father expressed his affection for Chile and his appreciation for our country, which he knows very well from his time as head of the Augustinian order.
Chilean visitors who had gathered in the square to see Kast told us they hope the pope will visit their country soon. They said welcoming him would be an overwhelming emotion.
JUAN MOLINA FLORES
Chilean tourist
We found out after planning this trip that the pope was going to South America. Otherwise, we might have gone to Peru. But one day, he'll come to Chile.
But did Kast personally extend an invitation to the pope? Here's what happened:
"Mr. President, were you able to invite the pope to Chile?
– Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Were you able to invite him?
– The pope is always welcome in Chile."
But that does not mean Kast made a formal invitation. For a pope to visit a country, he must receive an official invitation from both the head of state and the country's bishops.
A Chilean priest traveling with the presidential delegation told Rome Reports that no such invitation had been extended.
FR. JOSÉ MANUEL TABILO
Chilean priest
So far, the president has not extended an invitation for a visit to Chile.
The two popes who have visited Chile were John Paul II, in 1987, and Francis, in 2018.
