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May 6, 2019

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

Pope Francis embraces a religious leader during a meeting for peace with Bulgarian representatives of various religious in Nezavisimost Square in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 6, 2019.

SOFIA, Bulgaria - 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.

Published in Vatican
May 6, 2019

After offering instruction, Pope gives first Communion to 245 children

Pope Francis gives first Communion to children during a Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Rakovski, Bulgaria, May 6, 2019.

RAKOVSKI, Bulgaria - In the Catholic heart of Bulgaria, Pope Francis celebrated a special Mass for 245 children receiving their first Communion and thanked them for helping him, their parents and grandparents remember their own first Communion.

Published in International
May 6, 2019

Roses and the cross: Pope meets refugees in Bulgaria

Children perform as Pope Francis visits with refugees in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 6, 2019.

SOFIA, Bulgaria - Twelve boys and girls wearing white T-shirts and dark pants sang for Pope Francis at a refugee center on the outskirts of Sofia.

Published in Vatican
May 5, 2019

Pope to Bulgarians: Treasure identity as crossroads of cultures

Pope Francis walks with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev during a welcoming ceremony in the square outside the presidential palace in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 5, 2019.

SOFIA, Bulgaria - In a country that has seen many of its citizens emigrate in search of work and a better life, Pope Francis asked Bulgarians to be welcoming of and sympathetic to the migrants and refugees who arrive in their country hoping to get to Western Europe.

Published in Vatican