Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is – maybe! – scheduled to visit to Slovakia
Pope Leo XIV, pictured just after his election on May 8, 2025. (source: TASR/AP)
Just hours after being elected, Pope Leo XIV is already bringing unexpected honour to Slovakia. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, is scheduled to visit Košice on June 1, 2025, to celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Rita, as stated by the StartItUp news portal. The event was originally planned during his time as a cardinal, to commemorate 30 years of the Augustinian order in Slovakia.
According to an invitation shared by the Augustinians earlier this year, the Mass will begin at 10:30 and marks a significant milestone for the religious community. In addition to the visit to Košice, the Pope is also scheduled to appear at the popular pilgrimage site Mariánska Hora in July, where he is expected to lead another Holy Mass on July 6.
While the news has generated some excitement among Slovak Catholics, it remains to be seen if the timetable planned by the then cardinal will be observed now that he is Pope.
Martin hospital breaks transplant record and launches groundbreaking diabetes treatment
In 2024, Martin University Hospital (UNM) set a new personal best by performing 48 transplants – the highest number in its history and second only to Košice nationwide. Of these, nine kidneys came from living donors, a record for the centre, the Sme daily reported.
Despite being Slovakia’s youngest and smallest transplant centre, Martin leads the country in the number of organs transplanted from deceased donors, with 39 cases. Doctors also performed a rare paired kidney exchange between two unrelated donor-recipient pairs using AI-based matching, marking a major step forward in transplantation.
UNM also pioneered a first-of-its-kind procedure in Slovakia: a simultaneous transplant of a kidney and pancreatic islet cells from one donor to a diabetic patient. This innovative approach has partially restored insulin production and offers new hope in treating type 1 diabetes.
Poprad among Europe’s top budget summer destinations for 2025
A view of the High Tatras from above the flooded quarry in Poprad's Kvetnica borough. (source: TASR)
Slovakia’s Poprad has earned a surprise spotlight in a new European ranking by Time Out and Skyscanner, placing second on the list of most affordable summer holiday destinations for 2025, the StartItUp portal reported. With average flight prices of around €80 from the UK, Poprad stands out as a scenic and budget-friendly option for travellers looking to escape the heat and avoid the high costs of traditional seaside resorts.
Nestled under the High Tatras, Poprad offers easy access to mountain lakes like Štrbské Pleso, hiking trails, and breathtaking views – all without breaking the bank. While swimming in alpine lakes is restricted due to national park rules, visitors can still enjoy a refreshing and peaceful nature escape. It's a rare win for Slovak tourism, which has struggled in the past to gain attention alongside other European mountain destinations.
Some feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
Slovan Bratislava were crowned champions after a dramatic comeback win over Žilina.
From hijacked planes to ponds, Turiec in north Slovakia has lots to offer.
Stripped back to the basics – and that’s the point. A night in the treetops for just a few euros.
Slovak scientists find a kinder way to test products without using animals.
From Bratislava’s grand arena to Prešov’s new-build, these eight stadiums will set the scene for Europe’s rising stars.
Meme of the week
Caption: Dear Slovak women, dear Slovak men, dear groceries, dear everything...
This meme, parodying both President Peter Pellegrini's formal role and expectations of an uptick in inflation, plays on the double meaning – shared with English – of the word drahé (dear), which can mean both respected and expensive. The Hlas party, of which Pellegrini was the leader until his election as president in April last year, campaigned on a promise of cheaper food products. Despite entering government as part of the current ruling coalition, those cheaper prices have yet to materialise.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
