Today the Holy Father Francis received in audience H.E. Mr. Andrej Kiska, President of the Slovak Republic, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the good bilateral relations and the contribution of the Church to Slovak society, especially in the field of education, were evoked. Subsequently, various themes of common interest were considered, including climate change and the reception of migrants, in the light of recent international meetings.

Finally, attention turned to the international context and to peace, security and cooperation in Europe, in view of Slovakia’s Presidency of the OSCE in 2019.