President Pellegrini Receives Vatican's Secretary Paul Gallagher

Bratislava, 30 January (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini received at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava on Friday Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, who is paying an official visit to Slovakia, the President's Office's communications department told TASR, adding that the reception was held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the basic treaty between Slovakia and the Holy See. At the meeting, they assessed the development of cooperation to date and discussed its future direction. They jointly emphasised the importance of the Catholic Church in Slovak society, its work not only in the spiritual sphere, but also in the cultural, educational, and social areas in supporting vulnerable groups of the population. The head of state expressed his conviction that a possible visit by Pope Leo XIV to Slovakia would have great spiritual and symbolic significance for Slovaks and could be an encouragement in these difficult times. The talks also covered current international issues, conflicts around the world, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, the need for dialogue, respect for international law, and strengthening multilateral cooperation. "In view of the changing world order and the erosion of international rules, we emphasised the growing importance of an active and responsible role of the international community. Slovakia and the Holy See jointly support peaceful, just, and dialogue-based solutions to conflicts," stated Pellegrini. am