German Chancellor Merz to attend inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

Germany's newly-minted Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to attend the ceremonial inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said on Monday.

Merz is also planning to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the visit in what would be his first meeting with the Italian leader since he took office last week.

"It was the wish of both sides to make such an appointment possible very, very quickly," said Kornelius.

Merz and Meloni have known each other for a long time and have a very good relationship, according to the spokesman.

Leo XIV became the first US citizen to be elected pope on Thursday. The ceremonial inauguration on Sunday in St Peter's Square is expected to draw leaders from around the world, including US Vice President JD Vance.

Vance last visited Rome in April, when he became the last politician to meet with pope Francis before he passed away on April 21.