BiH Presidency member Denis Becirovic met with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday where he had the opportunity to discuss bilateral relations with the head of the Catholic Church.

Becirovic thanked Pope Francis for the private audience in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. During the cordial conversation, Becirovic and Pope Francis stated that bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Holy See are friendly, with a high level of understanding and respect.

Becirovic also expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis and the Holy See for their principled support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said he hopes that the Holy See's support to BiH will continue, especially with regard to the country’s Euro-Atlantic path. Becirovic said that BiH extremely appreciates the engagement and visit of Pope Francis to BiH, as well as the two visits of former Pope John Paul II.

Pope Francis emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a special place in his heart, and that he fondly remembers his visit to the country and meetings with people in Sarajevo in 2015. During the conversation, Pope Francis said that he follows the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that he supports the strengthening of cultural and interreligious dialogue in the country and its multi-ethnic character.

Becirovic invited Pope Francis to visit BiH, and said that it would be an honour for all citizens and ethnic groups to once again offer hospitality to the head of the Catholic Church.