Mark Carney's trip to the Vatican with many handshakes

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney returns home after a series of diplomatic meetings in Rome, on the sidelines of the inauguration mass for the new Pope, Leo XIV.

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In addition to the Supreme Pontiff, with whom he had a brief audience in St. Peter's Basilica, Mark Carney was able to discuss with the American Vice President, JD Vance.

Trade tensions between the United States and Canada were obviously at the heart of the meeting between the two men.

"The Prime Minister emphasized to the Vice President that Canada and the United States are stronger when they work together," Carney's office said in a statement released Sunday evening.

The White House also commented on the informal meeting held at Villa Taverna, the residence of the U.S. ambassador in Rome, Italy.

"The leaders discussed the shared interests and goals of the United States and Canada, including fair trade policies and the enduring relationship between the two nations," the Trump administration said in its statement.

Preparing the ground for the G7

The Prime Minister also met with around ten leaders during this trip to Italy, many for the first time since coming to power.

At the top of the list is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to whom Mark Carney reiterated Canada's support on Saturday in the conflict with Russia.

He also met with the Prime Minister of Australia and Ireland, in addition to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, to reiterate "the need to immediately establish a ceasefire in Gaza."

Some of these meetings were intended as preparation for the G7 summit to be held next month in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Initial contacts have been initiated in Italy with the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

"The Prime Minister highlighted Canada's role as a stable, reliable and innovative partner, rich in natural resources and expertise," Mr. Carney's office said.

This series of diplomatic meetings is reminiscent of Mark Carney's first official trip after his election in March as head of the Liberal Party and, de facto , head of Canada.

He then flew to Europe, where he met in quick succession with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.