The Roman Pope Francis received an original gift made by the students of the Vocational High School "Velizar Peev" in Svoge with director Stancho Atanasov, reports the official website of the municipality.
The special gift was presented to the Holy Father a week ago - January 13 - during an audience with Yakov Djerassi, known for his active public, political and charitable activities.
"Woodcarving carries a Bulgarian soul, combining native traditions and spirit, motifs from history, embroidery and natural symbols with a modern interpretation. It symbolizes the connection between the past and steps towards the future in a global context and is a sign of peace and understanding between peoples – fundamental values advocated by both Pope Francis and the donors of this gesture," the municipality wrote.
During the visit, Djerassi, founder of the "Bulgaria" Foundation, shared with Pope Francis the meaning of this sign of respect as a symbol of cooperation and hope. He also presented the newly established with the assistance of Mayor Emil Ivanov and the Municipality of Svoge Center for Tolerance in the village of Thompson - a space dedicated to peace, understanding and respect between people. This is a place with a vision and mission, where differences do not divide, but enrich.
"Pope Francis accepted the gift with gratitude and admiration for the creativity of Bulgarian youth and their commitment to the challenges of the 21st century. He spoke about the importance of interreligious and intercommunal dialogue, freedom of religion and mutual respect between representatives of different ethnicities. The Pope emphasized the need to promote a society based on dialogue, fraternity, religious freedom, justice and social harmony," the municipal officials said.
The head of the Vatican reminded the guests that their visit takes place at the beginning of the Jubilee Year, which in the Christian tradition is a time of worship, reconciliation and hope. The Holy Year serves as a reminder to all leaders of their responsibility to guide humanity towards the creation of a culture of peace and non-violence.
The meeting was also attended by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Holy See - Kostadin Kodjabashev, as well as Bogdan Patashev - a long-time diplomat at the Embassy of the Order of Malta in Bulgaria.
The Mayor of Svoge Ivanov commented that “although modest, this initiative is an example of how small communities can contribute to the big conversation about peace, togetherness and cultural identity“.