(ANSA) - VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis received today in audience at the Apostolic Palace, in two subsequent hearings, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, and the president of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov. The private talks with Radev, former military, who was visiting the Vatican City for the first time, lasted about twenty minutes. After introducing the delegation, Bulgaria's President gave the Pope an icon of saints Cyril and Methodius and a book about the life of John XXIII, who was an apostolic visitor to Bulgaria. The Pope gave the president his three writings, Evangelii gaudium, Amoris Laetitia and Laudato sii, and the St. Martin medallion, featuring the saint giving part of his cloak to a poor man. Macedonia's President Ivanov visited Pope Francis with a delegation including two Orthodox priests. The private talks lasted 15 minutes. After introducing his delegation, the Head of State gave the Pope a precious, handmade and antique cross made of wood, created by Macedonian monks. The Pope gave Ivanov his three writings, Evangelii gaudium, Amoris Laetitia and Laudato sii, and the St. Martin medallion.

After their meetings with the Pope, both Radev and Ivanov talked to Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. (ANSA).