In November 2013, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder and Italian leaders have shared their deep concern about the high-levels of youth unemployment in Italy during a series of meetings in Rome.

The ILO's Director General has also met with Pope Francis during a private audience at the Vatican. The ILO works closely with different institutions of the Catholic Church, including the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which oversees with the Secretary of State the commitment of the Church to social justice, as well as the Pontifical Council for the Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.