FOCUS – UNESCO: Pope Leo XIV’s Visit a Political Message for Multilateralism

PARIS, September 18 /ATSH-AFP/ – Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to UNESCO headquarters in Paris on September 25 will be a political message for the protection of multilateralism, said the head of the United Nations organization, Khaled el-Enany.

According to el-Enany, the Pope’s visit constitutes an important moment for UNESCO and shows the importance the organization holds in international cooperation.

“It is a political message to protect multilateralism,” he said, emphasizing that the visit confirms UNESCO’s role and importance at a time when international cooperation is facing challenges.

The Pope’s visit comes at a time when UNESCO is expected to face the departure of two member states by December 31, among them the United States of America.

The administration of President Donald Trump announced in July 2025 the decision to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO.

Washington has accused the organization of bias against Israel and of promoting social and cultural issues that, according to the U.S. administration, are divisive.

The Trump administration has also described UNESCO’s leadership as driven by an “ideological and globalist” agenda.

The American withdrawal is expected to take effect at the end of this year.

In this context, Pope Leo XIV’s visit to UNESCO headquarters in Paris is expected to be seen as a sign of support for international cooperation and multilateral institutions.