Pope Francis arrived in Skopje this morning, becoming the first Pontiff ever to visit North Macedonia.
The Pope was received most honourably and according to the traditional custom (bread and salt) at the airport by North Macedonia’s President Gjorge Ivanov and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.
The Pope’s visit to North Macedonia is considered an important event for the small Catholic community of the country, which does not exceed 1% of the general population. Indeed, it is no coincidence that the motto of the visit was “Do not be afraid, little flock”, reflecting precisely this fact.
From North Macedonia, the head of the Roman Catholic Church is expected to send messages of “peace, coexistence and justice,” according to members of the Catholic Church of the country.
In addition to his meeting with President Ivanov and Prime Minister Zaev, the Pope will meet with religious leaders at the Memorial House of (Saint) Mother Teresa in the center of Skopje. Besides, Saint Mother Teresa, born in Skopje, was canonized by Pope Francis, in 2016.
All eyes, however, are on the public mass that will take place shortly in the central square of Skopje.
Source: ANA-MPA