SloveniaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1952
Ownership
Družina is the publishing house of the Slovenian Roman Catholic Church. The company Družina d.o.o. (Ljubljana) is owned by the Catholic dioceses of Slovenia: the Archdiocese of Ljubljana (Nadškofija Ljubljana) alongside the dioceses of Koper, Celje, Novo Mesto and Murska Sobota. The weekly began in 1952 under apostolic administrator Mihael Toroš and became the joint publication of all Slovenian dioceses in 1965.
Funding
Financed mainly through copy sales/subscriptions of the weekly Družina and through its book publishing and Catholic-goods retail, plus advertising; it is a long-running, high-circulation paid weekly rather than a budget-funded outlet.
Affiliation & stance
Družina is the official newspaper of the Catholic Church in Slovenia, with an explicitly Catholic, socially conservative, center-right editorial line. Because the company is owned and controlled by Church (diocesan) bodies rather than being a freely commercial outlet, it is correctly classed DEPENDENT (controlled by a religious institution).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 214
80/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
330
Articles
326
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Strangers couldn't figure out why everyone was staring at the river.
A group of German tourists in Ljubljana were surprised by a large crowd gathering along the Ljubljanica River, expecting the arrival of NBA stars Luka Dončić and his team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The visitors, Monique, Kevin, and Dominik, initially did not understand why people were watching the river but were soon informed by locals about the connection to Dončić and a planned four-day team-building event in Slovenia. Fans had been eagerly waiting since early afternoon, some even traveling from nearby areas like Bled to catch a glimpse of the basketball players. Despite poor weather conditions, including strong winds and rain, fans remained hopeful that the Lakers would disembark and greet them. Some believed the best chance to see the players was at the boarding point of the tourist boat, while others thought they might walk through the city center instead. Eventually, a wooden boat arrived at a less crowded part of the riverbank, suggesting the Lakers were likely preparing for a private visit.
Bishop Cvikl blessed the restored bell tower in Slovenian Bistrica
The article reports on the blessing of the restored bell tower at the Church of Saint Jerome in Slovenj Gradec by Archbishop Alojzij Cvikl. The bell tower, which stands 55 meters tall, was originally completed in 1900 during the papacy of Pope Leo XIII. After 125 years, restoration work began in 2025 under Pope Leo XIV and was completed in 2026. The event marked both the completion of construction and a celebration of the local community. The archbishop emphasized the symbolic meaning of the bell tower as a bridge between earthly life and eternity, drawing parallels to human spiritual journeys. He also highlighted the importance of unity within the parish community and the shared effort that led to the restoration.
Angelus: Stay open to a true relationship with Christ
The article reports on Pope Francis' homily during the Angelus prayer, focusing on the importance of maintaining an open personal relationship with Christ and allowing Him to transform our lives, even when facing unknown paths. The Pope emphasizes the need to continually rediscover Christ's image and message, rather than treating Him merely as a historical figure. He calls believers to remain open to a deepened relationship with Christ, encouraging self-reflection on who Jesus truly is and what His presence demands of them in their daily lives. The Pope also expresses solidarity with those affected by recent crises, including the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, violence in the Central African Republic, and the ongoing recovery efforts in central Italy following a devastating earthquake ten years ago.
Archbishop Cwickl to Caritas Volunteers: Serving Our Neighbor, Loving God in That One
On August 23, 2026, Maribor Archbishop Alojzij Cvikl addressed participants at the traditional Caritas workers' gathering in the parish of Saint Barbara in Halozah-Cirkulane. The event, themed 'When we serve our neighbor, we love God in him,' focused on Christian teachings about loving both God and others. Cvikl emphasized that true love cannot be separated from service to humanity, drawing from biblical teachings and examples like the Good Samaritan. He highlighted the importance of feeling loved by God as a source of strength and hope, especially in times of loneliness and despair. Cvikl praised Caritas volunteers for their work in supporting vulnerable individuals, stating that such acts become tools of divine love. He stressed that helping those in need, especially those who cannot repay the favor, is essential to preserving human dignity.
The remains of 500 Croatian victims from Slovenian cemeteries were buried in Donji Maclj
In the village of Donji Macelj in northern Croatia, a commemorative ceremony was held for the remains of 500 Croatian victims of wartime atrocities, whose bodies were exhumed from mass graves in Slovenia. The event took place one day before the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes. Croatian Minister for Veterans Tomo Medved expressed gratitude to Slovenia for its cooperation in returning the remains to Croatia. The exhumation occurred in areas such as Trebč, Podstenice, Košnice near Celje, and Cerkelj near Koper. Based on personal items, religious objects, and clothing, the remains were identified as exclusively male, mostly aged between 18 and 40, including several minors. The ceremony included a funeral service with a blessing, prayers, and the laying of wreaths and lighting of candles. Medved emphasized the importance of acknowledging these crimes openly based on evidence, without fear or diminishing their significance, stating this effort aims to honor open wounds rather than reopen old divisions.
Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian Regimes: Without Truth and Memory, There is No Reconciliation
On August 23, 2026, Slovenia observed the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of All Totalitarian Regimes, commemorating those who lost their lives, homes, or dignity under fascism, Nazism, communism, and other authoritarian regimes. The event was marked by statements from Slovenian officials, including President Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Janez Janša, emphasizing the importance of remembering historical victims and upholding democratic values. Pirc Musar called for historical remembrance to serve as a foundation for collective responsibility, ensuring such dark chapters of history do not repeat. Janša stressed that every victim has a name, family, and tragic story that must not be forgotten, and that preserving historical memory strengthens awareness of the horrors of totalitarian regimes. He argued that only when all political forces equally condemn all three totalitarian ideologies can society achieve reconciliation and pass on a state where human dignity is protected.
Question to the bishop: how do we understand the death of innocent children?
The article presents a theological discussion prompted by a reader's question about the moral implications of two biblical accounts involving the death of innocent children: the Massacre of the Innocents under King Herod and the tenth plague in Egypt. The author explains that both events were divine judgments aimed at holding accountable those who had oppressed God’s people, rather than punishing the children themselves. The author references scriptural passages to argue that while the children were innocent in action, they were not entirely innocent in purpose, as they were born into families that had committed sins. The piece emphasizes God’s justice and mercy, noting that Jesus was sacrificed to redeem humanity, reflecting divine righteousness.
Red star yes, red star no
The article discusses a controversy surrounding the national symbols and historical memory of Slovenia during its 35th anniversary of independence. Initially, it was decided that only flags with the coat of arms of the Republic of Slovenia at the top would participate in the celebrations. However, two organizations, the Association of Value Fighters NOB and the Primorska TIGR Society, announced a boycott, arguing that they did not want to change the symbols on the flag (a red star and a linden leaf). After strong reactions suggesting a defiant destruction of the festive atmosphere, the National Council for Media (UKOM) issued a new invitation allowing all flags. The situation led to a dilemma: 'give the red star' or 'don’t give the red star.' The article highlights how different groups interpret the same symbol, some see it as a pure expression of anti-fascist resistance, while others view it as a symbol of communist revolution, dictatorship, wartime atrocities, and the Yugoslav army’s attack on independent Slovenia. It concludes by introducing the concept of first-order and second-order changes, emphasizing the need to question the initial framework of the problem.
(VIDEO) Long Island's drama: Firefighters spent all night defending homes from fire.
A large wildfire broke out overnight near the village of Savar on the Croatian island of Dugi Otok, requiring over 100 firefighters and support units to combat the blaze. The fire, which occurred on steep terrain covered in dense vegetation, threatened residential buildings and vacation homes scattered across the area. Firefighters successfully defended all structures, with no damage reported to the houses. Two firefighting aircraft joined the effort early in the morning to control two fire lines measuring approximately 1,600 meters each. By mid-morning, the fire was localized on Dugi Otok, and conditions were calming in the nearby town of Omis, though preventive watering continued from the summit of the hill where smoke still rose. In addition to the main fire on Dugi Otok, firefighters responded to four other fires on land in areas such as Galovac, Zemunik, and Mostar, as well as a smaller fire on the island of Izu. Meanwhile, in Zagreb’s Traumatology Clinic, doctors are fighting for the lives of four individuals aged between 18 and 46 who suffered severe burns in the recent wildfires around Omis. According to unofficial reports, these victims are believed to be members of the同一个
A word on reconciliation: The Revolution of Love by Bogdan Vidmar
The article discusses the historical tensions between Slovenians and Italians, focusing on the cultural and political conflicts that have shaped their relationship over centuries. It highlights the impact of various regimes, including fascism and communism, on the region, particularly in Primorska (Istria), where Italian influence was strong during the early 20th century. The text describes the suppression of Slovenian identity under Italian fascist policies, such as the removal of the Slovene language from schools and the persecution of Slovene communities. After World War II, the area saw significant changes, including the expulsion of Italian populations and the establishment of partisan control. The article notes the lingering effects of this history, with continued stereotypes and mutual distrust between the two nations. It concludes by mentioning gradual improvements in relations through agreements like the 1955 Vienna Memorandum and the eventual opening of borders in 2007.
Liturgy songs from the Magnificate for September 2026
The article provides information about liturgical hymns selected for September 2026 by collaborating with the Institute for Church Music. It lists various hymns for different Sundays and feast days, including their sources and where they can be accessed. The article also promotes participation in a seminar for church musicians at the Theological Faculty, offering free workshops and services. Links to specific hymns, notes, and publications are provided, along with some YouTube videos containing performances.
Cover art by St. Jerome
The article discusses the artwork 'St. Jerome in His Study' by Jan van Eyck, created around 1435. It highlights St. Jerome's role as a scholar and theologian in the 4th century, emphasizing his work on translating the Bible into Latin, which became the official liturgical text of the Catholic Church. The painting portrays St. Jerome in a serene study setting, surrounded by religious symbols and texts, symbolizing his dedication to divine scripture. The piece underscores the importance of understanding the Bible as living word, connecting to modern Christian faith.
The word of the editor for September 2026
The article is an editorial piece published by the magazine 'Magnificat' in September 2026. It discusses the significance of September as a school month, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of education and continuous learning through prayer. The editorial mentions the Feast of Saint Cosmas and encourages readers to engage with religious content such as the new edition of the Roman Missal and spiritual exercises led by Marko Rijavec. It also references a book titled 'Neomajna ljubezen' by A. Boucher and invites readers to follow updates on the Facebook page '@verujem'.