Pirc Musar's going to visit Pope Leo.

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Tuesday, during which the pontiff promised to visit Slovenia within the next two years. The meeting continued the regular dialogue between the highest representatives of the Republic of Slovenia and the Holy See. During their conversation, the pope made the commitment regarding his future trip to the country. This pledge came after Pirc Musar handed over a formal written invitation for the papal visit. She stated that she understood the promise to mean he would definitely come within the coming two-year period. The primary purpose of the president's visit was to deliver this official invitation. Her office described the trip as a continuation of established diplomatic relations. Pirc Musar emphasized friendly ties and the desire to maintain ongoing communication between the two entities. She also wished the pope a full recovery following recent surgery. In mid-October, doctors removed a malignant lung tumor from the pope. Medical staff confirmed he is recovering well, though his schedule has been adjusted accordingly. Earlier in the week, the Vatican canceled his planned trip to Assisi because it required helicopter travel. Pirc Musar also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the State Secretary of the Holy See. Before these meetings, she spoke to Slovenian media outside St. Peter’s Square. The discussions covered various international issues. The president thanked the Vatican for its efforts to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. She described the Vatican as being in an ideal position to serve as a conscience for the world, reminding everyone that peace is essential. The two leaders also agreed that an agreement between the United States and China regarding artificial intelligence is necessary. The topic of upgrading the concordat between Slovenia and the Holy See was raised. Prime Minister Janez Janša had discussed this upgrade with the pope earlier in October. Foreign Minister Tone Kazer had also visited the Vatican in September. Pirc Musar noted that the government has already established a special commission to handle the agreement. She identified two specific areas requiring regulation: the payment of clergy and the maintenance of church infrastructure. She stated that the process needed to continue from where it left off, leaving the specifics of implementation to the government. This visit marks another instance of high-level engagement between the nations. Pirc Musar last visited the Vatican in December 2024. In April 2025, she attended the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis. Neither Pope Francis nor his predecessor Benedict XVI ever visited Slovenia despite invitations. Since gaining independence, only Pope John Paul II has visited the country. He traveled there twice, in May 1996 and September 1999. During the 1999 visit, he beatified Bishop Anton Martin Slomsek. The current timing of the potential papal visit coincides with significant anniversaries for Slovenia. This year marks thirty years since Pope John Paul II’s initial visit. Next year will see the celebration of thirty-five years of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and the Holy See. Pirc Musar cited these milestones as key reasons for inviting Pope Leo XIV to the country. She presented the written invitation formally during their audience. The president’s itinerary included additional visits beyond the official meetings. She toured the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. She also visited the Fondazione Sanita e Ricerca hospice, which operates with financial support from the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. These activities were part of her broader program while in Rome. The focus remained on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing shared concerns regarding global stability and technological governance. The exchange highlighted the continuity of diplomatic protocols between the two states. Officials from both sides stressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication. The health status of the pope remains a factor in scheduling future engagements. While he is recovering, adjustments to his duties are being made carefully. The cancellation of the Assisi trip demonstrated these precautions. However, the promise of a visit to Slovenia suggests confidence in his ability to undertake such travel in the near future. The discussions also touched upon the role of religion in contemporary politics. The president expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s stance on conflict resolution. She viewed the institution’s neutrality as valuable in fostering peace. Similarly, the consensus on AI regulation indicated alignment on emerging global challenges. These topics formed a substantial part of the bilateral talks alongside domestic religious matters. No further dates have been announced for the papal visit yet. The promise covers a two-year window, allowing flexibility for planning. The Slovenian government continues its work through the newly formed commission. The commission will address the logistical and legal aspects of the concordat update. Meanwhile, the diplomatic relationship remains active, evidenced by the series of visits by Slovenian officials to Rome this autumn. The president concluded her visit having secured the pope’s verbal assurance of his intent to visit the country soon.