President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič with his wife left for an official visit to Vatican. In the Apostolic Palace he was received by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. At the audience, President Ivan Gašparovič said that the reception of the Slovak delegation by Pope Benedict XVI two months after his election for the new head of the Catholic Church was a true honour. Ivan Gašparovič expressed his deep respect for the Holy Father as an advocate of firm faith, an exceptional theological expert, a protector of human, Christian values, and a supporter of peaceful dialogues. In talking to Pope Benedict XVI, President Ivan Gašparovič followed up with the three remarkable apostolic trips of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, to Slovakia which became messages of living hope in faith. President Ivan Gašparovič underlined the qualitative change in the relations between the Slovak Republic and the Holy See, also in the context of the coming fifth anniversary of signing the Basic Treaty between the Slovak Republic and the Holy See. In addition, he mentioned the reference in the preamble to the Constitution of the Slovak Republic to the spiritual legacy of the patrons of Slovakia and co-patrons of Europe, St. Cyril and St. Methodius. Long-term survival of the Slovak nation and preservation of the national identity is firmly linked to Christianity. During the talk, President Ivan Gašparovič confirmed the support of the Slovak Republic to protect basic human rights and freedoms, to eliminate poverty and famine in the world and to promote world peace, which was identified also by the Holy Father as a perspective opportunity for a mutual dialogue. On the occasion of this valued audience, President Ivan Gašparovič invited His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to visit the Slovak Republic.
