Dominican Archbishop invites Pope Leo XIV to visit the Dominican Republic

Vatican City.- Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán held a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV during his official visit to the Vatican City from May 22 to 28. The audience, which took place on May 25 in the Pope’s private office, marked their first official encounter since Morel’s appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop of Santo Domingo.

During the 30-minute meeting, the two discussed the pastoral and ecclesial situation in the Dominican Republic, as well as Archbishop Morel’s current mission within the Dominican Catholic Church. The encounter coincided with the presentation of “Magnifica Humanitas,” the first encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIV, focused on the ethical and social challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the protection of human dignity in the technological era.

As part of his Vatican agenda, Archbishop Morel participated in several church-related activities and events tied to the presentation of the papal document. During the meeting, he also formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the Dominican Republic, with the Pontiff reportedly expressing interest in a future trip to the country.

The visit concluded with additional meetings involving Dominican diplomats and clergy, including Ambassador Víctor Valdemar Suárez Díaz. Archbishop Morel also presided over Eucharistic celebrations and pastoral gatherings with Catholic communities during his stay in Rome.