Macronwill hold talks with Pope Leo on Friday morning, after spending Thursday evening meeting members of theCommunity of Sant'Egidio, aCatholiccharity and peace organisation.
They will be the first in-person discussions between the two since Leo took office last May.
Events in theMiddle Eastare expected to dominate. Both Macron and the Pope have welcomedthe ceasefireagreed between the United States and Iran, intended to halt fighting for two weeks while further negotiations take place.
However, Israel has continued strikes on Lebanon, home to one of the largestChristianminorities in the Middle East.
Lebanonis a particular concern for bothFranceand theVatican, Macron's office said in a statement announcing the trip at the beginning of the month. Gaza, Syria and the situation for Christians in the Middle East are also on the agenda, it said.
The talks are an opportunity to reiterate a shared commitment to "peace, dialogue and solidarity among peoples", according to the Elyse.
Why Lebanon's Christians wield power greater than their numbers
'End of life' debate
Catholic commentators have also speculated that Pope Leo will raise the subject ofFrance's assisted dying law, which would allow terminally ill people to seek help ending their lives under certain conditions.
Macron's government supports the "end of life" bill and he has indicated he may call a referendum if parliament fails to approve it.
Catholic leaders have joined other religious figures in publicly voicing their objections.
My life, my death: French woman battles for right to die with dignity
The two-day visit to the Vatican is Macron's first since 2022, and his fourth since becoming president in 2017. Originally planned for late 2025, it has twice been pushed back.
Macron last met Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, duringthe pontiff's visitto the French island ofCorsicaat the end of 2024.
The president's office has not yet confirmed when Pope Leo will be invited to France. According to protocol, the pontiff avoids visiting countries in the run-up to elections, which are due to take place in Francein 2027.
Pope Leo begins a tour offour African countriesthis month, starting inAlgeriaon 13 April.
Originally published on RFI
