Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in Audience His Excellency Mr Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by the Reverend Monsignor Mihăiță Blaj, Undersecretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, mutual appreciation was expressed concerning the good bilateral relations, with special reference made to the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signing of the Basic Agreement between the Holy See and the Slovak Republic. The common commitment to supporting and strengthening social cohesion, promoting justice and protecting the family was also reaffirmed.

Furthermore, the international situation was discussed, with particular attention given to the war in Ukraine and its repercussions for European security, as well as the current reality in the Middle East.

From the Vatican, 4 December 2025