The Vatican has had official diplomatic relations with Slovakia since 1993. And these ties continue today with this moment…
I would like to present myself as the Extraordinary Ambassador on behalf of the Slovak Republic. Thank you very much for receiving me.
Pope Francis welcomed the new ambassador, Juraj Priputen, for a private meeting in the Vatican.
The ambassador gifted the Pope a book on a being a bishop in the third millenium and another on churches in Slovakia. And Pope Francis returned the gesture with some of his own texts and a symbol of his pontificate.
And this is the medal of the pontificate.
-Thank you.
Pope Francis visited Slovakia in September 2021. In his four day visit, he celebrated Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows—the patron saint of Slovakia.
September 15, 2021
POPE FRANCIS
For you, the Slovak people, the Blessed Virgin is a model of faith: a faith that involves journeying, a faith inspired by simple and sincere devotion, a constant pilgrimage to seek the Lord.
Thank you for this witness. And please, always persevere on this journey. Do not stop.
This was the third papal visit to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993. Pope John Paul II visited twice, once in '93 and again in 2003.
KG
