The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, had a telephone conversation today with the head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to have a telephone conversation with Pope Francis, President Pendarovski expressed regret that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his visit to the Vatican on the occasion of the celebration of May 24, the Day of All-Slavic Educators, Ss. Cyril and Methodius, and the audience with His Holiness did not take place.
In the telephone conversation, opinions were exchanged on the overall bilateral relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Holy See, which are friendly and based on important historical ties, shared spiritual and cultural values and traditions.
Emphasizing the historical importance of last year’s visit of Pope Francis to the Republic of North Macedonia, President Pendarovski pointed out the interest of our country in deepening the ties with the Holy See in all areas of mutual interest. In that context, President Pendarovski emphasized the contribution of the Catholic community in North Macedonia both in building relations with the Holy See and in the overall inter-religious relations in the country.
In addition, the two interlocutors exchanged information on the current situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Pendarovski acknowledged Pope Francis’ role in encouraging people and nations and inspiring solidarity as a key element in the joint fight against the pandemic and its aftermath.
President Pendarovski also stressed the great contribution of His Holiness to global issues affecting us all, such as peace, fight against poverty, humane treatment of refugees and migrants, climate change and environment.
