Pope Leo XIV has thanked Italy for its efforts to combat human trafficking but urged the country to remain open to welcoming and integrating migrants.

ROME (Reuters) -Nearly 4,400 people have been abused by Catholic priests in Italy in cases reported since 2020, a victims' group alleged on Friday, renewing pressure on bishops to confront a crisis that has long plagued the world's largest Christian faith.

COMMENTARY: Italy’s ‘Medically Assisted Reproduction Law’ remains the model legislation for the legal protection of children conceived through artificial reproductive technology.

Pope Leo XIV met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Tuesday, highlighting the strong ties between the two states and the need to work toward lasting peace in every part of the world.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Rome on Wednesday for a historic state visit to the Vatican, where they will meet Pope Leo in a gesture of unity between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV walks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during an official welcoming ceremony at the Quirinal Palace in Rome Oct. 14, 2025. The event marked the pope’s first state visit since the beginning of his pontificate. (CNS photo/courtesy of the Presidency of the Italian Republic)

Queen Camilla made a statement in a black dress and veil to meet Pope Leo, but other queens are given special permission to wear white around the pontiff. All about "il privilegio del bianco."

Bartolo, who died in 1926 at 85 years old, first deviated from the Catholic Church after losing his mother early in life.

On Oct. 18, the Holy Father received the National Anti-Usury Council of Italy in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.