May 24, 2012. (Romereports.com) At the Vatican, the pope was visited by Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev. By tradition, the Bulgarian President is granted a private audience on May 24 during the day the country celebrates education and their Slavic culture.
During the traditional exchanging of gifts, the pope was surprised when the president’s gift wouldn't fit in the meeting room. The two walked out to the corridor to see the 440 pound egg that measured more than 6 feet tall. It took two years to make, with more than 15 jewelers working on it. The egg is made of steel with some golden holdings and 2,000 ruby colored crystals.
In addition to the egg, the pope was also given an icon by members of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The two spoke in the pope's native language of German throughout the meeting.
Soon after, the pope also received Nikola Gruevski, the prime minister of Macedonia. He was accompanied by a delegation, and he went on to meet with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone afterward, the Vatican's Secretary of State.
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