Pope Francis Welcomes Bulgarian Prime Minister Oresharski

Pope Francis (C) poses with Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Vasilev Oresharski (L) and his wife Elka Georgieva (R) during a private audience at the Vatican, 28 May 2014. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski was received by Pope Francis in his official residence in the Vatican on Wednesday.

The meeting lasted for about 30 minutes, it was reported. PM Oresharski presented Pope Francis with the oil painting Yerosalimia. On his part, the head of the Roman Catholic Church gave an ink stand as a gift to Oresharski.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi in the afternoon, before departing for Bulgaria. He is accompanied by his wife, as well as the ministers of culture, foreign affairs, and youth and sports.