The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the appointment as Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, sent a congratulation message to His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Your Holiness,

On the occasion of your appointment as Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, it is my honor and great pleasure, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend my most cordial congratulations and sincere wishes of good health, personal happiness and success in the execution of your noble mission.

I sincerely hope that your highly esteemed commitment, your dedication to the Christian values and principles, will enable you to face the numerous challenges of today. At the same time, I believe your reputation and authority will help in the preservation of the universal values we stand for and share in the spirit of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. In this regard, you have a partner and friend in me and in the Republic of Macedonia.

I take this opportunity to express my strong conviction that in the period to come, the friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Holy See will be further strengthened and deepened, whereas I express our full readiness.

Renewing my congratulations to you and to all Catholic Church followers, wishing you a long and blessed pontificate, please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov