PM Spajić meets with Pope Leo XIV: Montenegro and the Holy See enjoy excellent relations, conditions for opening the Nunciature soon to be met

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV, as well as with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Richard Gallagher.

During the cordial conversation, both sides expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of bilateral relations. The discussions also touched on the Montenegrin government's cooperation with religious communities.

Among the topics covered were regional developments in the Western Balkans and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a warm and extended audience with the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV—which lasted significantly longer than originally scheduled—Prime Minister Spajić reaffirmed the strong ties between Montenegro and the Holy See. These relations are deeply rooted in history and grounded in mutual respect, dating back to the 19th century when Prince Nikola signed the first Concordat. As a great honor for our country, we conveyed our expectation that all conditions for the opening of the Apostolic Nunciature in Montenegro will be fulfilled by the end of July, Prime Minister Spajić said following the meeting.

This marked the first official audience between a Montenegrin leader and the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, who was elected on 8 May 2025.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, Chief of the Office of the Prime Minister Branko Krvavac, and Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Montenegro to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Milica Petrović.