On January 28, 2026, Patriarch Porfirije received Luigi Bianco, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Slovenia and Apostolic Delegate for Kosovo and Metohija, at the Patriarchal Residence in Belgrade. Monsignor Bianco is currently visiting the Serbian capital on the occasion of the regular session of the International Bishops’ Conference of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
During the meeting, the Apostolic Nuncio expressed his sincere gratitude to the Patriarch for the warm reception and the time devoted to their discussion, underlining the importance of dialogue and the maintenance of diplomatic relations aimed exclusively at peace and stability.
Patriarch Porfirije briefed his distinguished guest in detail on the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija, outlining the numerous challenges and pressures faced daily by the long-suffering Serbian people, together with their Serbian Orthodox Church.
Special emphasis was placed on the tragic fact that the Serbian Patriarch has on several occasions been prevented from visiting Kosovo and Metohija, where the Patriarchate of Peć, the historic seat of the Serbian Patriarchs, is located. As the Patriarch noted, the denial of freedom of movement constitutes a violation of one of the fundamental human rights, which, as a prerequisite for the exercise of all other freedoms, is protected by international legal instruments and established standards.
Patriarch Porfirije also informed Monsignor Bianco about attempts to distort historical facts and to appropriate the Serbian Orthodox spiritual and cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.
The meeting was attended by Bishop Hilarion of Novo Brdo and Deacon Nikola Kostić, Secretary of the Cabinet of the Serbian Patriarch.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
