The main opposition party (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras is the first European left politician to have a meeting with the head of the Catholic Church in Vatican. This move is seen as “recognition of the European left, and the international range of SYRIZA”, since Mr. Tsipras is also the first Greek party leader who meets Pope in person.

SYRIZA estimates that along with the main topics of discussion (social issues, immigration, environment, etc.), Mr. Tsipras will have the opportunity to highlight the positions of the European Left and SYRIZA.

Pope Francis has proved many times that he is not only watching by the world developments, but he chooses to intervene in major international humanitarian issues, such immigration, poverty and climate change, while he has also initiated actions on critical social problems such as unemployment. Pope Francis has also urged political leaders worldwide to take action and stop the slaughter in Gaza and war conflicts in Iraq and Ukraine.

Mr. Tsipras, though, has careful followed the protocol by informing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Hieronymus for the meeting and the topics to be discussed.