Pirc Musar and Pope Francis discuss peace efforts

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar was received by Pope Francis in the Vatican on 5 December with the efforts to bring an end to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and other parts of the world high on the agenda, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

After her second meeting with the pope since May 2023, Pirc Musar noted the Holy See's significant role in the international community in promoting peace, dialogue, and understanding among nations.

She also noted the traditionally friendly relationship and continuous dialogue between Slovenia and the Vatican. On the occasion, she invited the pope to visit Slovenia.

In a press release her office underscored that Pope Francis and President Pirc Musar "share concerns about the situation in Ukraine" and the efforts to bring this war to an end.

Pirc Musar noted Slovenia's commitment to just and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter. "Ukraine must have a seat at the table in all peace negotiations," she was quoted as saying.

The president and the pope also warned against the escalation in the use of weapons of mass destruction with Pirc Musar expressing the belief that Slovenia can work together with the Holy See on the climate crisis, conflict prevention, the protection of civilians and other pressing issues.

During the meeting, the president also emphasised inter-religious dialogue as a vital element for fostering greater understanding and cooperation worldwide and for more effective conflict resolution.