Pope Francis meets with the President of Slovenia

Pope Francis receives President Nataša Pirc Musar of the Republic of Slovenia in the Vatican, where they discuss positive bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, and the political situation in the Western Balkans.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis received the president of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Nataša Pirc Musar, at the Vatican on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions were "cordial," and "appreciation was expressed for the positive bilateral relations and the contribution of the Catholic Church to society."

More than half of the European country's population identifies as Catholic.

"In the course of the conversation," the statement continued, "various international issues were discussed, including the war in Ukraine and its global consequences, as well as the political situation in the Western Balkans and the future prospects of the Region in the process of European integration."

Exchange of gifts

As is customary, the Pope and President exchanged gifts. The Pope gave her a bronze work entitled "Amore Sociale" (or "Social Love"), depicting a child helping another to get up, with the inscription "Amare Aiutare" ("Loving to help").

The Holy Father also gifted his 2023 Message for Peace, the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, and the book on the 27 March 2020 Statio Orbis, during the Covid-19 pandemic, edited by LEV, the Vatican's Publishing House.

The Slovenian President gifted the Pope some Slovenian honey products and a replica of the beehive model of a well-known Slovenian beekeeper, Anton Janša.

Following her meeting with Pope Francis, the President met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.