Cardinal Bokalic: I would like to come, at least for a few hours, to see the beautiful country of Slovenia

In late June 2026, Cardinal Vinko Bokalič Iglič, an Argentine-born Slovenian cardinal, made a brief visit to Slovenia during his travels between Argentina and Rome. His trip coincided with preparations for a significant Vatican meeting known as a consistory, where cardinals will discuss global church matters, including the role of artificial intelligence, local church life, and the synodal process. During this time, Cardinal Bokalič visited several locations in Slovenia, including Lake Bled and Brezje, before attending Mass in the parish of Ljubljana-Koseze. The visit was described by the local priest, Igor Dolinšek, who is related to the cardinal, as a personal and meaningful occasion for both parties.

Cardinal Bokalič, originally from northern Argentina—specifically Santiago del Estero—has been serving as the archbishop of a diocese comparable in size to six Slovenian provinces but with significantly fewer priests. He mentioned having only 35 priests for such a large area, with some parishes even managing up to 40 or 50 sub-parishes. This situation highlights the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in certain regions of South America, particularly regarding staffing and pastoral care.

During the Mass in Ljubljana-Koseze, Cardinal Bokalič spoke about his experiences and reflections, drawing parallels with the day's Gospel reading, which emphasized courage in the face of fear. He admitted to feeling fear when he was first called to become a bishop, recalling how he initially resisted the idea. However, he eventually placed his trust in God’s will and accepted the responsibility. He encouraged others to seek strength from the Holy Spirit to remain faithful to Jesus' teachings, especially in times of uncertainty or hardship.

The relationship between Cardinal Bokalič and Priest Dolinšek has developed into a regular exchange of information and support. They have agreed to meet whenever possible, either in Slovenia or Rome, depending on the cardinal’s schedule. Given the distance between their respective homes, Dolinšek often travels 800 kilometers to meet him, while the cardinal covers many more miles. Their connection is particularly valuable since they are among the few family members of the cardinal living in Slovenia, offering mutual support and insight into each other's lives and work.

Cardinal Bokalič shared details about his origins, noting that he comes from a large family of five children, one of whom is also a priest. He left Slovenia at the age of 18 to study theology and joined the Lazarists, a religious order dedicated to education and missionary work. He paid tribute to Petar Opeka, another Slovenian Lazarist, highlighting the long tradition of Slovenian missionaries around the world. He described himself as a missionary, emphasizing that the calling of Slovenian clergy has always been to serve peace and the Kingdom of God, encouraging others to pray for these ideals.

The cardinal’s visit to Slovenia underscored the deep ties between the Slovenian diaspora in Argentina and their homeland. Despite being far from home, he expressed a strong sense of identity rooted in his Slovenian heritage and the broader mission of the Church. His journey reflects the ongoing efforts of the Catholic Church to maintain connections with its diverse communities worldwide, ensuring that spiritual guidance and support reach all corners of the globe.