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VATICAN, 21 May (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko presented the Pontifical Medal to participant of The Golos show Patricia Kurganova, BelTA has learned.

It happened when the Belarusian head of state visited the museum of the Vatican which houses the exhibition of Belarusian icons of the 17^th-21^st centuries.

Alexander Lukashenko was welcomed by Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus, Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz and prior of the Minsk Orthodox parish of the Church of All Saints, Archpriest Fyodor Povny. Together they listened to the chorus of the Church of All Saints. Patricia Kurganova was invited by Archpriest Fyodor Povny to sing with the chorus. She sang Ave Maria, and Alexander Lukashenko asked those accompanying him to present the Pontifical Medal to Patricia.

Journalists have not heard the words of the President. Later Patricia Kurganova told them: “He said that this medal had been given to him by Pope Francis, and he presented it to me,” the singer said.

“We had many rehearsals. Therefore, I was nervous, but everything was good,” Patricia added modestly.