Slovak President Peter Pellegrini invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Slovakia during a private audience at the Vatican, presenting symbolic gifts including a crystal glass “dove of peace” and a wire sculpture called Pilgrims of Hope. The dove represents hope and the fragility of peace, while the sculpture symbolizes movement, solidarity, and unity among believers from different continents and generations. Pellegrini also showed the Pope photographs of the Tatra Ice Dome, this year honoring Popes Francis and Leo XIV.
According to President Pellegrini, The Pope expressed he would like to visit Slovakia “in not a very long time,” though major trips to Africa and Latin America come first. Pellegrini noted that Slovakia’s strong faith community makes the country important in the eyes of the Vatican.
During a working visit in Rome, Pellegrini met the Sovereign Order of Malta, thanking them for their work in education, healthcare, and social services in Slovakia. Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap plans to visit Slovakia next year to deepen cooperation, especially in humanitarian aid. Pellegrini praised the Order’s defense of humanitarian law and religious freedom, which aligns with Slovakia’s foreign policy priorities. The discussions also touched on Ukraine, with Pellegrini emphasizing Slovakia’s support for all serious diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace, as well as ongoing financial and energy assistance. Later, Pellegrini attended an indulgence-letter exhibition at the Slovak embassy, announcing that Slovakia received a brick from St. Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door for placement under Archbishop Stanislav Zvolenský.
Source: TASR
