Mayor Eric Adams, a Christian, met with Pope Francis during a three-day trip to Italy to discuss global conflicts and promote peace. The meeting took place at the Vatican, where the two leaders discussed issues in Haiti, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as the fight against anti-Semitism. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of common humanity and fraternity in achieving lasting peace during a conference on human fraternity organized by a foundation founded by the pope.
Adams, who is up for re-election next year, has faced challenges in New York City, including low poll numbers and a federal investigation into his campaign fundraising. Despite this, he is committed to addressing the city’s problems and learning from his visit to Rome. During the trip, he visited the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and participated in the World Meeting on Human Fraternity conference, where he highlighted the shared crises faced by cities like New York and Rome.
The mayor’s faith plays a significant role in his leadership style, as he often speaks about how his Christian beliefs influence his governance. He has criticized the separation of church and state and described himself as a “prayer warrior.” During his visit to Rome, he expressed a desire to learn from the city’s approach to dealing with problems like homelessness and helping migrants seeking asylum. Adams also participated in a cleanup effort with the mayor of Rome to highlight the role of civic groups in addressing community issues.
Critics in New York City have questioned the mayor’s response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, accusing him of not speaking out enough on Palestinian suffering. However, Adams defended his stance by stating that he believes children and innocent people should not die globally. He emphasized the importance of consistency in his message and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from those who appreciate his efforts to address international conflicts.
Following his meeting with Pope Francis, Adams attended the closing ceremony of the conference at St. Peter’s Basilica and is expected to visit a site providing services for migrants before returning to New York City. The mayor’s experience in Rome has provided him with valuable insights into dealing with urban challenges and building relationships with other cities facing similar issues. Through his interactions with Pope Francis and other leaders, Adams aims to contribute to the dialogue on promoting peace and addressing global conflicts.
