Slovenia is considering an upgrade of its 2001 agreement with the Holy See governing relations between the Church and the state, Prime Minister Janez Janša said following his meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
Janša said the existing agreement provides a firm foundation for relations with the Vatican, but that experience over the years had shown a need to address several additional issues within the framework. He said incorporating them into the agreement could provide greater continuity rather than leaving individual governments to change arrangements separately. Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer had also confirmed in September that the government was seeking to expand the agreement. Among the issues under discussion is the possible establishment of a military ordinariate, which would provide dedicated pastoral care to members of the Slovenian Armed Forces and police.
The Vatican has advocated its creation for years, while spiritual care is already available within the Slovenian military. Sacral heritage is another area that could be addressed through additional agreements.
During his Vatican visit, Janša also thanked Pope Leo XIV for his peace efforts and moral guidance amid global security challenges. He expressed gratitude for the Holy See’s assistance in returning sacred artworks taken from Slovenian churches during the Second World War, including an altarpiece by Venetian Renaissance artist Vittore Carpaccio. The visit also included meetings with senior Vatican officials before Janša travelled to Rome to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
