Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

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


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Education ministry discusses introduction of virtue and religion classes

Education must make children not only knowledgeable but also good people, said Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev at a meeting with His Holiness Daniil, Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia. "We are discussing the..

published on 2/20/25 9:02 AM

President Radev: Only united will we preserve Bulgaria in the global turmoil

"Only united will we preserve Bulgaria in the global turmoil. That bright Bulgaria of Levski, which relies on its own strength. The ancient Bulgaria that feels equal to the European nations. That fraternal Bulgaria of free people, which has defended..

published on 2/20/25 8:49 AM

Premier Zhelyazkov: EU should remain united and predictable in its overall support for Ukraine

The European Union must remain united and predictable in its overall support for Ukraine, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said in his speech at the second emergency meeting on Ukraine, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, announced..

published on 2/20/25 8:32 AM