Skopje, 26 May 2025 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova had an audience Monday with Pope Leo XIV as part of her visit to Rome and the Vatican on occasion of the Day of the Pan-Slavic Educators, Ss.Cyril and Methodius, according to MIA’s reporter at the Vatican.

After the meeting, President Siljanovska-Davkova introduced the Pope to the members of the Macedonian delegation, and exchanged gifts. The President presented Pope Leo XIV with a wood carving featuring the motif “Grapes”, representing rebirth and the bond between religion and people through wine as a symbol of the blood of Christ. 

The President also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The meeting was attended by the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, prelate Paul Richard Gallagher. 

The meeting lasted around 40 minutes, after which gifts were exchanged, with the President presenting Cardinal Parolin with a golden ritual mask.

The President is expected to address the media after her meetings at the Vatican and then  head to a meeting with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.

Photo: epa/MIA