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Francis in Bulgaria and North Macedonia

Pope Francis walks with President Gjorge Ivanov of North Macedonia during a welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Skopje, North Macedonia, May 7, 2019. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis visited Bulgaria and North Macedonia May 5-7, 2019.

Francis: Women deacons commission gave split report on their role in early church

by Joshua J. McElwee
May 7, 2019

The Vatican commission studying the history of women serving as deacons in the Catholic Church has been unable to find consensus on their role in the early centuries of Christianity and is yet to give a "definitive response," Pope Francis said May 7.

On first papal visit to North Macedonia, Francis praises care for refugees

by Joshua J. McElwee
May 7, 2019

Pope Francis became the first Catholic pope to visit North Macedonia May 7, in a trip meant to encourage the Balkan nation as it seeks to end a dispute with Greece in order to join the European Union.

Honoring St. John XXIII, pope and Bulgarians give witness for peace

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
May 6, 2019

Prayers for peace are important, but they must lead those praying to roll up their sleeves, reach out their hands and open their hearts, Pope Francis said at an interreligious meeting in Sofia.

Francis praises those who care for refugees as seeing 'with God's own eyes'

by Joshua J. McElwee
May 6, 2019

Pope Francis encouraged Iraqi and Syrian refugees adapting to life in Eastern Europe May 6, telling them to have hope despite whatever sufferings they have endured.

Christians' first mission is to witness that God is love, pope says

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
May 6, 2019

Francis exhorts Bulgarians to not 'close your eyes' to needs of refugees

by Joshua J. McElwee
May 5, 2019