Pope Francis was greeted by Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borissov when he arrived in Sofia on Sunday, starting off his three-day visit to the country and North Macedonia.
After a welcome ceremony in the square near the presidential palace, Pope Francis met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, official authorities and diplomatic corps.
Borisov welcomed the pope’s visit saying “it reflects his interest in the peaceful economic development of the Balkans.”
The three-day tour will include a visit to a refugee camp in outskirts of Sofia and a commemoration of Mother Teresa — the famous Macedonian nun.
The Orthodox Church has rejected the idea of holding joint prayers with the pontiff.