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The Bulgarian delegation for May 24 was received by Pope Francis

Pope Francis with Bulgarian Parliamentary Speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov
Photo: BTA

The Speaker of the Bulgarian National Assembly Rosen Zhelyazkov was received in the Vatican by Pope Francis. The Holy Father later granted an extended audience to the Bulgarian delegation on the occasion of May 24, the Day of the Holy Brothers Sts. Cyril and Methodius, of Bulgarian Culture and Education.

The guests presented the Pope with a gold-embroidered icon of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius and St. Clement. The hosts presented the Bulgarian delegation with a sculpture with a flower and a dove, with the message that peace and humanity are fragile and must be protected in every possible way.


At a meeting with the State Secretary of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Zhelyazkov discussed the topics of the war in Ukraine and Bulgarian-Macedonian relations.

Holy liturgy in the San Clemente Basilica in Rome, 24 May 2023
In the San Clemente basilica, the Bulgarian delegation participated in an Orthodox liturgy celebrated by Bulgarian clergy in front of the icon of St. Cyril. Bulgarians from Italy were also present. 

The Speaker of the Parliament congratulated the crowd on May 24, and everyone together sang the anthem "March ahead, oh, revived people".


Photos: BTA

Published by Rositsa Petkova


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