For 1st Time in History, a Roman Pontiff Visits North Macedonia

For the first time in history, a Roman Pontiff has stepped foot in North Macedonia, formerly known as Macedonia.
With the intention to remember and celebrate the incredible life of Mother Teresa, encourage the country’s minuscule Catholic community (less than 0.4%, with only one bishop) and encourage ecumenical dialogue, Pope Francis has made this visit. He is kicking off his day in North Macedonia, May 7, his final day of his May 5-7, Apostolic Visit there and to Bulgaria.
ZENIT’s Senior Vatican Correspondent, Deborah Castellano Lubov, was on the ground in Bulgaria and ZENIT continues bringing our readers the latest.
https://zenit.org/articles/feature-pope-in-bulgaria-christ-is-alive-wants-you-to-be-alive-knowing-he-never-abandons-you/
Despite a delicate ecumenical situation in Bulgaria, Pope Francis was welcomed with joy. There he celebrated Masses, prayed for peace, gave first Holy Communion to 245 little ones in Rakovsky, visited a refugee camp and addressed authorities.
https://zenit.org/articles/feature-here-in-bulgaria-we-are-treated-with-dignity-says-syrian-mother-of-five-an-inside-look-at-popes-visit-to-refugee-camp-outside-sofia-2/
Always with enthusiasm, local traditions, including edible ones, Francis was welcomed in North Macedonia’s capital of Skopje. Francis met with the President, making a courtesy visit to the Presidential Palace in Skopje, where he met with the President, and as is tradition, addressed authorities, thanking the country for its welcome toward migrants.
Afterward, the Pope and papal entourage went to the memorial of Saint (Mother) Teresa where he was welcomed by three religious sisters, said a special prayer recalling the incredible impact of Mother Teresa, meeting some poor people, and some relatives of Mother Teresa.
Later in the day, the Pope will celebrate Mass for the faithful of the country, meet with clergy and have an ecumenical event with young people.
The Pope will return to Rome later this evening, and will hold a brief press conference on the return flight, which ZENIT will bring you as soon as possible.
Here is the full Vatican-provided program of the Pope’s agenda:

https://zenit.org/articles/exclusive-interview-president-of-bulgarian-bishops-archbishop-proykov-of-sofia-on-popes-visit-to-bulgaria-zenit-is-on-the-ground/