President to Visit Holy See on Occasion of National Pilgrimage

Bratislava, April 2 (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini is set to leave for Rome on Thursday (April 3), where he'll pay a three-day working visit to the Holy See, TASR was told by the President's Office on Wednesday. This is Pellegrini's second visit to the Vatican since taking up office as president. The trip is taking place on the occasion of the National Pilgrimage of Slovaks to Rome in the Jubilee Year 2025. Approximately 4,000 Slovak pilgrims will visit the Eternal City, joining millions of believers from around the world. "2025 is a jubilee year bearing the slogan 'Pilgrims of Hope', which points to the importance of solidarity and civic engagement. This year, Slovakia is also marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty with the Holy See, a key document regulating our bilateral relations," said the office. The office further announced that during the visit the head of state, along with Slovak pilgrims, will pass through the Holy Gate, paying tribute to a tradition of jubilee years. In the Basilica of St. John Lateran, he'll take part in a solemn Slovak liturgy, which will be celebrated by Bishop of Nitra and Slovak Bishops Conference vice-chair Viliam Judak. On Friday (April 4), the National Pilgrimage will continue with a solemn Slovak liturgy celebrated by Slovak Bishops Conference head and Kosice Metropolitan Archbishop Bernard Bober. The Slovak pilgrims will also receive a special greeting from Pope Francis. am/df