Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov payed tribute at the tomb of St. Cyril at the San Clemente basilica in Rome, after he attended a service there. "It is our responsibility to continue the tradition of Cyril and Methodius and to preserve the Bulgarian alphabet," Petkov said.

"Steer firmly the ship of the Bulgarian state, our dear Motherland," Metropolitan Anthony of Western Europe wished him after the liturgy in the church.

The Prime Minister and his delegation had an audience with the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis. 

• Bulgarian government delegation to visit Rome and the Vatican

Following tradition, the delegation presented a gift to the Pope. 

The gift was a nativity scene made of wool by children from the Nativity of Christ Social Centre of the Catholic Apostolic Exarchate in Sofia, with an inscription reading "Peace on Earth".