UNHCR’s Salih praises Pope Leo’s  vision for peace, recognizes Italy’s contribution to humanitarian values

The new United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih has on his first official visit to the Holy See and Italy, the new United praised His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s vision for working towards global peace and recognized Italy’s contribution to humanitarian values and multilateral efforts, during meetings with President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

In a global context increasingly marked by conflict and violence — leaving more than 117 million people forcibly displaced, nearly double the figure a decade ago — Salih praised Pope Leo XIV’s drive for peace, grounded in dialogue, respect for international law, and the protection of civilians. He also expressed deep concern over the unresolved conflicts and widespread human rights abuses that continue to drive displacement, underscoring the need for strengthened cooperation between states to safeguard refugee protection.

“We are in complete harmony with His Holiness and the Holy See on the need to address complex global humanitarian challenges and to protect people fleeing war and persecution,” Salih said. “Our cooperation with the Holy See is paramount, recognising its vital moral, diplomatic and operational role in promoting solidarity and durable solutions for refugees.”

Salih also met Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations at the Secretariat of State of the Holy See. They reaffirmed the long-standing commitment to cooperation between UNHCR and the Holy See, rooted in shared principles.

In Rome, the High Commissioner was received by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella. Salih expressed gratitude for his personal and institutional commitment to humanitarian values, international cooperation and support for vulnerable people. The High Commissioner shared updates on the main displacement crises such as the conflict in Sudan, developments in Syria amid the prospects on returns, Ukraine and the protracted Rohingya crisis, underscoring the importance of the dialogue with Italy as a key partner on protection and solutions for refugees, internally displaced and stateless people.

During his conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the High Commissioner expressed his solidarity for the people affected by the floods in Sicily. He praised Italy for its continued international engagement, including through the Rome Process and the Mattei Plan, as well as for its support to UNHCR. At a time of mounting pressure on humanitarian budgets, Italy sends a strong signal of solidarity for international protection.

Salih reaffirmed UNHCR’s role as a constructive partner on forced displacement and expressed confidence that the partnership with Italy can help reaffirm the importance of humanitarian principles in the face of current global challenges, through a value-based and solutions-oriented approach. In this regard, he commended Italy’s leadership in advancing safe and legal pathways, including humanitarian, educational and labour pathways supported by Italian businesses, academia and civil society as a model that advances protection, economic opportunity and social cohesion.

“When refugees are protected and included and when we tap into their ingenuity and talent, they can rebuild and contribute to the societies that host them. This is the direction of travel,” Salih added.