Pope Francis’ audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace with H.E. Denis Bećirović, member of the Collegial Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two regions. It was also a sign of Pope Francis’ commitment to dialogue and cooperation between different religions and cultures.

The international situation was also discussed, with particular attention to the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Holy Land. Pope Francis and Bećirović expressed their concern about these conflicts and agreed on the need to work for peace and reconciliation.

Communiqué from the Holy See Press Office:

Today, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Denis Bećirović, Member of the collegial Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions that took place in the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the positive bilateral relations, also mentioning some open questions in Church-State relations. The domestic situation of the country was then discussed, and it was reiterated that the basis for peace and stability is the legal and social equality of all constituent peoples and dialogue among all political actors.

The conversation continued with an exchange of views on the international situation, with particular attention to the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Holy Land, the enlargement of the European Union to include the countries of the Western Balkans, and the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the European path.

[Original text: Italian]