BG

PRIME MINISTER BOYKO BORISSOV WELCOMES HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS UPON ARRIVAL IN BULGARIA

05.05.2019

 

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis upon his arrival in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s Prime Minister was the first one to salute the Holy Father while four children in national costume offered the Pope bunches of flowers. The Prime Minister and the Pope are to have a meeting where they are expected to discuss the good condition of the relations established and the dialog between Bulgaria and the Holy See as well as their promotion over recent years.

 

“I am a believer; the Bulgarian is a believer. I am glad and thank all Bulgarians for the understanding and for the opportunity to welcome one of the symbols of faith in the modern world – His Holiness Pope Francis. I was confident that he would accept the invitation to visit Bulgaria. I believe that he would remember the country for its good, tolerable and peace-loving people”, Prime Minister Borissov said before the start of the visit. In his words the visit of Pope Francis is an eminent act of publicity for Bulgaria while the fact that he is the second pope who visits our country shows that the democratic processes are irreversible. In the opinion of Prime Minister Borissov the apostolic journey of Pope Francis is a great honor for Bulgaria, an inspiring message and support for peace in the region and in the world.

 

The motto of the Holy Father’s visit is “Peace on Earth” (Pacem in terris). The Pope arrived in Bulgaria with a 35-member entourage who represent the Holy See at top level. The level of the Vatican delegation is even higher that what is usual for such visits. This is the 29th apostolic journey of Pope Francis since he was elected Head of the Roman Catholic Church.