Pope and Slovakian President discuss war in Ukraine

By Vatican News

Pope Francis received Zuzana Čaputová, President of the Slovak Republic, and her entourage in audience on Saturday.

President Čaputová then met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Rev. Mgr. Mirosław Wachowski, Undersecretary for Relations with States.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, “during the conversation, special attention was paid to the war in Ukraine.”

Fico assassination attempt and European elections

The statement also adds that “During the cordial talks that took place at the Secretariat of State, the parties discussed the prospects of the country in light of the sad event of the attempted assassination of the Prime Minister, the imminent change of presidency and in the run-up to the European elections, expressing the hope that harmony and peace in the country can be strengthened.”

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was seriously injured two weeks ago when an attacker shot him at close range four times as he greeted supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova. He has just been released from hospital and is said to be recovering at home. Fico, who has been prime minister for more than 10 of the past 18 years, returned to power at the head of a populist-nationalist coalition last September.

Pope Francis and President Zuzana Čaputová of Slovakia