Pirc Musar and Pope Francis discuss peace efforts

Pirc Musar highlighted after the meeting the Holy See's significant role in the international community in promoting peace, dialogue, and understanding among nations. On X, she mentioned the traditionally friendly relations between Slovenia and the Vatican, as well as their ongoing dialogue.

The president's office noted that Pope Francis and Pirc Musar share concerns about the situation in Ukraine. The president reiterated Slovenia's commitment to a just and lasting peace, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter. "Ukraine must be involved in all peace discussions," she stressed.

"To address the climate crisis facing humanity, we need peace, not more wars", Pirc Musar added during what was her first official visit to the Vatican and her second after she assumed office in late 2022.

Both she and Pope Francis warned against escalation regarding the use of weapons of mass destruction. The president expressed confidence that Slovenia could collaborate with the Holy See in tackling the climate crisis, preventing conflicts, protecting civilians, and other critical issues.

Pirc Musar also underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue as a cornerstone for fostering greater understanding and cooperation globally, as well as a prerequisite for resolving conflicts more effectively.

As a token of appreciation, Pope Francis gifted the president a bronze artwork depicting a dove with an olive branch inscribed with the words Be Messengers of Peace.

He also presented her with printed editions of several papal documents, this year's message for World Peace Day, and the book Persecuted for the Truth: A History of the Underground Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

In return, President Pirc Musar gifted the Pope a heart-shaped fruit tray made from Slovenian walnut and a packet of traditional Slovenian heart-shaped honey bread.

Later, the president met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, and Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

During the talks at the Secretariat of State, Vatican News reported that both sides acknowledged the strong relationship between the Holy See and Slovenia and discussed the Catholic Church's contributions to Slovenian society.

They also touched on unresolved matters between the Church and the Slovenian state, though the specifics were not disclosed. Additionally, the discussions covered the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

"The Holy See is aware of the importance of dialogue," Pirc Musar told the press after the talks. She added that Cardinal Parolin promised to return to Koper next year for the Forum for Dialogue and Peace in the Balkans. "We all agreed there is still much work to do to achieve peace across the 55 current conflict zones," she said.

Following her visit to the Vatican, Pirc Musar attended a working lunch with her Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella. According to her office, Mattarella is expected to visit Slovenia twice next year. He will attend the February opening ceremony of the European Capital of Culture in Nova Gorica-Gorizia and later pay an official visit.