On May 18 (local time), Mr. ASO Taro, Ambassador on Special Mission attended the Solemn Ceremony of the Inauguration of the Pontificate for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Vatican on behalf of the Government of Japan.

Ambassador on Special Mission ASO, in the occasion of Papal Audience after the ceremony, expressed his congratulations on the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on behalf of the Government and people of Japan, and expressed his hope that the friendly relations between Japan and the Vatican will continue to develop even further.

Ambassador on Special Mission ASO, at the ceremony venue, had brief talks with attendees, including Vice President Vance of the United States, Secretary of State Rubio of the United States, President Mattarella of Italy, Prime Minister Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Carney of Canada, Prime Minster Spajić of Montenegro, Secretary of State Lammy of the UK, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa of Uganda, Deputy Chairman Harivansh of India, Former Vice President Chen of Taiwan.