This morning the Holy Father received in audience Borut Pahor, president of the Republic of Slovenia, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions the positive bilateral relations were evoked, also in view of the upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Slovenia, and various themes of common interest regarding the current situation of the country were considered. The parties then focused on the good relations existing between the Catholic Church and the State and on the importance of dialogue with the aim of fruitful collaboration for the good of Slovenian society, and in particular for the younger generations.

Finally, attention turned to the international situation, with special reference to the regional context and the challenges that Europe is required to face.