Photo: Vatican Media
Invitation to the Pope to Visit Slovenia and Discussions on Peace and the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
On 26 October 2026, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, paid an official visit to the Vatican, where she was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. She also met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The discussions focused on friendly relations, efforts to promote peace and dialogue, and the protection of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Publish date Vatican City,
The visit represents a continuation of the regular dialogue between the Republic of Slovenia and the Holy See. President Pirc Musar met Pope Leo XIV for the first time. She had previously met his predecessor, Pope Francis, on three occasions: during audiences on 22 May 2023 and 5 December 2024, and ahead of the funeral ceremonies for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
The President handed Pope Leo XIV an official written invitation, together with a letter from the Prime Minister, to visit Slovenia. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s first visit to Slovenia, while next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the Holy See’s recognition of Slovenian independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations. President Pirc Musar also wished the Pope a full recovery following his recent surgical procedure.
The two interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. President Pirc Musar expressed her support for the Holy See’s efforts to advance peace and dialogue, emphasising the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace, upholding international law, and protecting civilian populations.
The Western Balkans were also discussed, including in light of the elections held in Serbia the previous day. The President stressed that responsible political dialogue and respect for democratic principles are essential to ensuring regional stability. She highlighted the importance of reconciliation, good-neighbourly relations, and interfaith coexistence, as well as the valuable contribution made by the Holy See in these areas.
Particular attention was devoted to artificial intelligence and the Pope’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which places the protection of the human person and human dignity at the forefront. The Pope emphasised that the impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary life and its growing presence across all areas of society cannot be overlooked, while underscoring the constant need to protect the human person.
President Pirc Musar concurred, stressing that the development and use of artificial intelligence must be guided by respect for human rights, the protection of privacy, and the common good. Its benefits should help reduce inequalities and create new opportunities. Slovenia contributes to these efforts through the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), operating under the auspices of UNESCO.
President Pirc Musar also thanked Cardinal Parolin for his support regarding efforts to return artworks from Koper, Izola, and Piran to their original location.
As part of her visit, President Pirc Musar also visited the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and the Fondazione Sanità e Ricerca hospice, which operates with financial support from the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
