In his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on his Apostolic trip to Bulgaria and North Macedonia, where he returned from the previous night.
When in Bulgaria he remembered his predecessor St. John XXIII, who had lived there for around 10 years, and how he can be a guide for walking in fraternity.
He also recalled his visit in Bulgaria to the throne of SS. Cyril and Methodius. The pope noted how these saints used their culture with creativity to proclaim the Gospel; and this is the kind of missionaries people need today.
The pope added that during his time in North Macedonia he felt the spiritual presence of St Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was from this country. He said through this “small yet strong woman” she is “an image of the Church in that land: a small community that becomes a welcoming home where many can find rest.”
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday evening I returned from my Apostolic Journey to Bulgaria and North Macedonia. I renew my heartfelt gratitude to the civil Authorities of both countries and to the respective Christian communities for their generous welcome.
In Bulgaria, guided by the example of Saint John XXIII, I invited everyone to walk in the path of fraternity.
It was a joy to meet Patriarch Neofit and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and I was also able to spend time in prayer before the throne of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers who knew how to use their culture with creativity in proclaiming the Gospel. Today too we need such passionate missionary disciples.
Finally, with representatives of different religions, we asked God for the gift of peace, while children carried burning torches: symbols of faith and hope.
In North Macedonia, the spiritual presence of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta accompanied me. We can see in this small yet strong woman an image of the Church in that land: a small community that becomes a welcoming home where many can find rest.
After Holy Mass, I met with priests and consecrated persons, as well as youth from different Christian denominations and other religions, encouraging them to listen to the Lord’s voice.
As I thank God for allowing me to visit these two countries, let us entrust their people to the loving providence of Almighty God.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Denmark, Nigeria, Kenya, India, South Africa, Australia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you all!
