This morning, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in Audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, His Excellency Mr Janez Janša, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who subsequently met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations and the intention further to develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The contribution of the Catholic Church to Slovenian society was also noted.

The conversation continued with regard to various international issues, including the political situation in the Western Balkans and the region’s future prospects in the process of European integration.

From the Vatican, 5 October 2026