site.btaPrime Minister Borissov: What Pope Francis Says to the World in His Address From Bulgaria Is Important

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Prime Minister Borissov:
What Pope Francis Says to the World
in His Address From Bulgaria Is Important


Sofia, May 4 (BTA) - "President Radev and I will do all that is necessary for Pope Francis' s apostolic visit to Bulgaria to be a good advertisement for Bulgaria," Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told journalists on Saturday in relation to the forthcoming visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church to Bulgaria. "The fact that the Pope will visit us for the second time is good for Bulgaria" said Borissov.

His Holiness Pope Francis will arrive in Sofia on May 5 with a papal congregation made up of 35 important representatives of the Holy See, the government information service said.

"When the pope goes to a country, the whole world is focused on seeing why he is there, he does not go just anywhere," the Prime Minister said. Borissov mentioned Bulgaria's efforts to sign the Neighborhood Agreement with Macedonia, as well as the signing of the agreement between Greece and Macedonia on the latter's name, in order to support Macedonia in joining the EU and NATO. I'm sure these efforts were also appreciated by Pope Francis," Borissov said.

"The Pope's gesture to visit not only Sofia, but the country, to see how our Catholics live, their churches, is a testimony that the Holy Father appreciates the efforts of our country," said Borissov.

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov visited the town of Rakovski on Saturday, where preparations for His Holiness's visit on May 6 is well underway, the Government press service said. In Rakovski, Borisov visited the Most Holy Heart Of Jesus Catholic Church, where Pope Francis will hold mass and give first communion to 250 children.

The Prime Minister stressed that it is important what Pope Francis will say in his address to the world. He expressed his gratitude for the continuing tradition that every year on May 24 a Bulgarian delegation would be admitted to an audience with him. LY/DY
/DT/