Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović meets with Apostolic Nuncio Francis Assisi Chullikatt

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met today with the Apostolic Nuncio to Montenegro, based in Sarajevo, Archbishop Monsignor Francis Assisi Chullikatt.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović inquired about the health condition of Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized in Rome due to a respiratory infection. Archbishop Chullikatt expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović for his concern and support, conveying that the Vatican deeply appreciates the prayers and well wishes coming from Montenegro and around the world for Pope Francis’s recovery.

Both parties expressed hope for the swift and full recovery of the Holy Father, emphasizing his pivotal role in promoting peace, justice, and equality among people. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović highlighted that Montenegro, as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural state, highly values Pope Francis’s efforts in strengthening interfaith dialogue and tolerance.

The discussion also focused on the development of relations between Montenegro and the Holy See, as well as future avenues for cooperation. A key topic of the meeting was the initiative to establish a resident Apostolic Nunciature in Montenegro, with both sides emphasizing that this step would further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation at all levels. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s readiness to provide the necessary support for the realization of this initiative.

Archbishop Chullikatt expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and the dynamic political dialogue between Montenegro and the Holy See. He extended special gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović for his dedication to preserving and further developing these relations, particularly through addressing matters of mutual interest. Additionally, he commended Ivanović’s contribution to the establishment of a resident Nunciature in Montenegro and praised the country’s progress on its path toward EU membership.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed Montenegro’s appreciation for the continuous support of the Holy See in achieving its strategic foreign policy goals, particularly in the context of European integration. He underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to promote universal values, justice, and human rights. Furthermore, he reiterated Montenegro’s commitment to fully recognizing and valuing the spiritual and cultural heritage of all religious communities, which significantly contributes to the preservation of interethnic and interreligious harmony and tolerance.