King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.
The King and Queen met His Holiness at the Apostolic Palace for an audience.
They discussed humanitarian issues, social challenges and faith in public life. The King and Queen also praised the relationship between Belgium and the Vatican.
The trio were heard conversing in English, as the American pope is not fluent in any of the official languages of Belgium (French, Dutch and German).
Gifts were also exchanged with the Pope, receiving the famous Belgian chocolate from Their Majesties.
Keeping with tradition, Queen Mathilde used her privilège du blanc while meeting the Pope.
The privilège du blanc is only extended to some consorts of Catholic monarchs. Those with the privilege are Queen Mathilde, Queen Paola of Belgium, Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg. Of these, only Stéphanie, who just became consort earlier this month, have used the privilege.
Other women wear black to meet the Holy Father.
The King and Queen of the Belgians previously met Pope Leo at his inaugural Mass in May 2025.
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