Sofia, Bulgaria, May 5, 2019 / 04:10 am
On the first day of a trip to Bulgaria, Pope Francis encouraged authorities to strengthen and grow their country by investing in opportunities for young people, so they can remain in the country.
"Your country has always distinguished itself as a bridge between East and West, capable of favoring encounter between the different cultures, ethnic groups, civilizations and religions that for centuries have lived here in peace," the pope said May 5.
"The development of Bulgaria, including her economic and civil development, necessarily entails a recognition and enhancement of this specific trait."
Pope Francis spoke in a meeting with Bulgaria's president, prime minister, authorities, civil society leaders, and diplomats during a May 5-6 visit to Sofia and Rakovsky, Bulgaria. He will also stop in Skopje, North Macedonia, the birthplace of St. Teresa of Kolkata, May 7, before heading back to Rome.