Pope Francis met today with Miro Cerar, the prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia.
A communique from the Vatican press office described the discussions as “cordial,” saying that the Holy Father and Cerar highlighted the good relations that exist between the Holy See and Slovenia.
“The Parties confirmed their common will to continue constructive dialogue on bilateral themes regarding the relations between Church and State, with particular reference to the process of national reconciliation, human and religious values, and joint collaboration to promote the common good of society and of the poorest,” the communique stated.
Following his meeting with Pope Francis, Prime Minister Cerar met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.
According to a 2002 census, almost 60% of Slovenia’s near 2 million people are Catholic, but close to a quarter of the population claimed “other or unspecified” religion, and 10% claimed “none.”
