Rome, 24 May 2025 (MIA) - It's difficult to express what this experience means, even though this is my second visit, it always feels like the first. I will remember yesterday's prayer service for the rest of my life. It was truly moving to pay respects to someone honoured by the entire Slavic world - Cyril, the philosopher Constantine, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said Saturday in Rome, on the occasion of the commemoration of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Day, MIA's correspondent reported.

"It’s a place filled with spiritual energy, and when you hear a prayer led by dedicated, young, and graceful priests, your faith deepens even more, it becomes a profound spiritual experience," said President Siljanovska-Davkova, who, together with the state and church delegation, visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Saturday to lay a wreath at the Macedonian-language memorial plaque honouring Ss. Cyril and Methodius.

"It is powerful and inspiring," emphasized Siljanovska-Davkova, "to read in the Macedonian language, alongside other Slavic languages, that they are paying tribute to the spiritual father of all Slavs, without whom we might have never been enlightened, because he is the bearer, the promoter of literacy, and without literacy, one cannot express either the mind or one’s thoughts."

She added that today’s visit to Pope Francis’s tomb is connected to this, a man who “will be remembered for his intellect, dedication, knowledge, closeness to the people and the faithful, deep faith in God and peace, a person devoted to ordinary people and the poor.”

“The fact that he chose this as his eternal resting place, and the white rose symbolizes his modesty. For me, having spent 45 minutes in conversation with him last year, this highlights his spiritual nature,” she said.

At the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome today, the church delegation led by Metropolitan Josif of Tetovo-Gostivar and a large number of Macedonian citizens were present. She said that "this small, select group, a religious family here, accompanied by many fellow countrymen, strengthens faith in goodness, peace, and unity, values especially emphasized by the new Pope Leo XIV."

“That serves as a reminder to us ordinary people, the faithful, that the path is not finished, and the vision of the great Cyril and Methodius, as well as Pope Francis, has yet to be fulfilled,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

She expressed hope that the world, Europe, and the faithful will move forward with the new Pope, who, she said, will carry on the Christian and Slavic spiritual narrative.

“Humanity has never needed faith more, given the surge of materialism that has led us to a state we should not be proud of. But this today, that yesterday, and tomorrow will guide us on the right path,” said President Siljanovska-Davkova, who will have an audience with the new Pope Leo XIV and meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on Monday.

Photo: MIA