Pope Francis encourages N. Macedonia’s bid to join EU on Skopje visit

Pope Francis on Tuesday implicitly blessed efforts by North Macedonia and other Balkan countries to join the European Union. Skopje could look to its most famous daughter, Mother Teresa, as a stimulus to build a common destiny, he said.

After two days in Bulgaria, Francis arrived in the North Macedonian capital for a 10-hour stop, Reuters reported. He become the highest profile international figure to visit since the country changed its name from Macedonia in January.

Addressing authorities in Skopje’s presidential palace, Francis praised the newly named country’s “crucible of cultures and ethnic and religious identities” that could serve as an example to others.

Six Western Balkan states – Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – are in various stages of accession process to join the EU.