We are happy for the local Church of the Diocese of Celje, which received a new pastor today. Pope Francis has appointed its bishop a professor of the Bible, Dr Maksimiljan Matjaž. We sincerely congratulate the new bishop and look forward to his spiritual and professional contribution, which will enrich the work of the Slovenian Bishops' Conference and the Church in Slovenia.

He will now share his in-depth knowledge of the Bible, with which he has enriched the students of the Faculty of Theology and various biblical groups, with the faithful of his diocese and the Church in Slovenia. As we rejoice in his appointment and wish him strong faith, firm hope and apostolic love, we promise him fraternal closeness, which will be realized especially in prayerful remembrance before the Lord.

God bless you, the new Bishop of Celje, Maksimilijan.

Msgr Stanislav Zore, Metropolitan Archbishop of Ljubljana and President of SBC