Pope Francis has started a three day visit to the countries Bulgaria and North Macedonia. His visits aimed at improving relations with the Orthodox Church.

On arriving, Pope was greeted by Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borissov. Borissov said about Pope’s visit as, “it reflects his interest in the peaceful economic development of the Balkans”.

During his visit, Pope urged the Bulgarians to change their attitude towards migrants. The Orthodox leaders said they would not take part in joint services or prayers with the Pope.

Pope said, “To all Bulgarians, who are familiar with the drama of emigration, I respectfully suggest that you not close your eyes, your hearts or your hands — in accordance with your best tradition — to those who knock at your door”.

“Bulgaria faces the effects of the emigration in recent decades of over two million of her citizens in search of new opportunities for employment,” he said, adding that this had “led to the depopulation and abandonment of many villages and cities”, he added.

The Vatican has been trying for the unity between the two branches of Christianity, which split in 1054. During his three day tour, Pope is also visiting a refugee camp on the outskirts of Sofia and a commemoration of Mother Teresa, the most famous native of the Macedonian capital Skopje.

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“Our work has made us realise once again that the gravity of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors is, and historically has been, a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies,” said Pope Francis on Sunday. “I am reminded of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings – frequently children – in pagan rites,” he added.

Pope was speaking at the close of the summit of the church’s top bishops and leaders. The summit aimed at how to deal with the priests, who are sexually abusing children and adults for years. The sex abuse survivors and members of ECA (Ending Clergy Abuse), held banners in front of St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Feb. 24, 2019.

Bishops would now review and strengthen their guidelines to prevent abuse and punish perpetrators, Pope said. He also said that the child sexual abuse was a universal problem – “a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies”.

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