Pope receives in Audience Slovenian Prime Minister

June 13, 2013: Pope Francis received in audience the prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mrs. Alenka Bratusek, Thursday morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace. She later met Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, accompanied by Bishop Antoine Camilleri, Sub- Secretary for Relations with States.

In the cordial conversations were recorded the good relations existing between the Holy See and the Republic of Slovenia and confirmed their common will to continue a constructive dialogue on issues pertaining to bilateral relations between the ecclesial and civil communities, with particular reference to the historical contribution of the Catholic Church in the life of the country and the importance that the protection of religious freedom plays today for the harmonious development of the Slovenian society.

In continuation of the talks they focused on the challenges that the country faces, the current economic crisis and the help that the Catholic community, in collaboration with the state institutions, can provide for the social support of the population and for the education of young people. Finally, a brief review was done of some challenges and issues of international importance