By: Moja Dolenjska
Pope Leo XIV officially began his pontificate today with the inauguration Mass. During the ceremony in the Vatican, he received the papal insignia, and the Vatican office reported an attendance of 150,000 people.
Representatives from numerous countries also travelled to the Vatican. Among them were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, and members of European royal families.
According to the Austrian Press Agency (APA), around 200 official state delegations were present at St. Peter’s Square today, along with 200 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests. The Slovenian delegation was led by Prime Minister Robert Golob, while the Slovenian Church was represented by Bishop Andrej Saje. Pope Leo XIV greeted the members of the official delegations.
However, screen-captured photos revealed that Robert Golob and Tina Gaber presented the Pope with a bag containing plush toys. The gesture has sparked outrage among Slovenians. Many are questioning whether the plastic bag also contained a needle for poking – or if the toys had perhaps already been pierced – given that Tina Gaber recently drew public attention with a hysterical act of stabbing a doll she named Janez Janša.
The plastic bag filled with plush toys is being called a disgraceful gesture, primarily reflecting poorly on Robert Golob, who, critics say, is unable to manage his partner’s behaviour. Slovenia has a wealth of meaningful souvenirs, unique artisan products, and regional symbols to choose from. Offering plush toys as a gift to Pope Leo XIV is seen by many not only as mocking the Holy Father but also as disrespectful to the Slovenian Church and its citizens, particularly its Christian community.
