Vatican City, Sep 28, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The Vatican announced today that Boris Tadic, president of the Republic of Serbia, who met with Pope Benedict XVI earlier today, has extended an invitation for Pope Benedict XVI to visit that country.
The announcement, released by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, said that, "In the course of the cordial meeting which lasted 25 minutes, President Tadic illustrated to the Pope the current situation in the Republic of Serbia. Talks concentrated particularly on the need to teach values to young people, especially in the scholastic field.
"President Tadic also invited the Holy Father to visit the Republic of Serbia. In thanking him for his invitation, Benedict XVI expressed the hope that such a visit may take place in the future."
No announcement has been made by the Vatican as to further plans for the proposed trip.
The historic meeting marked the first ever visit by a Serbian president to the Vatican.