Parolin was accompanied at the ceremony by President Borut Pahor, with both stressing in their address that the Vatican was among the first countries to recognise Slovenia as an independent nation.

The state secretary furthermore pointed to the important role of the bilateral agreement, and said that it was beneficial for the people and common good. "We hope that we will together make new steps in our relationship."

Parolin believes that the new Apostolic Nunciature in Slovenia is an expression of will of the Holy See to further solidify the stable and permanent presence in the country.

Before blessing the new residence, the bishop commended President Pahor, Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković, the Slovenian Bishops' Conference and apostolic nuncios in Slovenia for their contributions to the project.

"My predecessors worked hard to find a suitable location for the Nunciature, and I'm happy that I can conclude this after 20 years," Apostolic Nuncio Julius Janus said at the ceremony.

He expressed hope that Pope Francis will also visit the residence, with President Pahor adding that he had invited the pope, a "great moral authority", to come to Slovenia.

The Holy See's diplomatic mission in Slovenia has been waiting for a permanent nunciature since the first nuncio, Edmond Farhat, took office in 1995.

Parolin and Pahor had a meeting before the ceremony, which according to the president stressed the importance of reconciliation and general tolerance among people.

"Because of certain problems that have piled up, the society and world today need more dialogue and more understanding," Pahor said at the ceremony.

Parolin will wrap up his three-day visit to Slovenia tomorrow by visiting the reception centre for refugees and migrants in Dobova on the border with Croatia and the Novo mesto Diocese.