Church of the Transfiguration

Spokesperson for the Bishops’ Conference of Slovakia, Fr. Martin Kramara, reflects on Pope Francis’ just-concluded Apostolic Visit to Slovakia, highlighting the joy of the country’s faithful and the encouragement the Holy Father’s presence brings.

Pope Francis thanks the people of Slovakia before taking off back to Rome, concluding his 34th Apostolic Visit abroad.

During a whirlwind three days in Slovakia, Pope Francis tells the people to persevere in the faith, while seeing for himself a Church of charity, and one which breaths with “two lungs”

Celebrating his final Mass on Slovak soil near the National Marian Shrine of Šaštín on Wednesday, Pope Francis invites Slovaks to imitate Mary in her journey, her prophecy and her compassion.

Pope Francis joins the Bishops of Slovakia for a Moment of Prayer on Wednesday, the last day of his 34th Apostolic journey.

On September 15, Slovakia celebrates the feast of its Patron, Our Lady of Sorrows, It is also the day in which Pope Francis comes to venerate this beloved mother. Ahead of the Pope’s visit, Wednesday the stage is set with thousands expected at Šaštín for this Eucharistic celebration.

Pope Francis on Tuesday spends the third day of his apostolic visit in the East of Slovakia where the programme includes, the celebration of the Byzantine Divine Liturgy at Prešov, a visit to the Roma Community at Lunik IX, and a meeting with young people in Košice.

On the final day of his Apostolic Journey to Slovakia, Pope Francis pays a visit to the town of Šaštín which is known as a pilgrimage site where people come to venerate the statue of the Our Lady of Sorrows.

Pope Francis meets with young people in Slovakia at the Košice Lokomotiva Stadium and answers three of their questions, on love for each other and love for the cross.

One highlight of Pope Francis’ visit to Slovakia was Tuesday’s meeting with the Roma community in Kosice during which he called for their integration.