Pope Francis arrives at Skopje airport at the start of his visit to Macedonia.

The Pope will be officially welcomed by President Gjorge Ivanov and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, after which they will head to the presidential residence Villa Vodno where an official ceremony will take place and he will address government officials, civil society and the diplomatic corps.

The Pope will visit Mother Teresa’s Memorial House with religious leaders.

A Holy Mass is to be held in Macedonia Square, which is expected to be attended by over 15,000 people from all over the country and high-ranking guests, believers and foreign nationals from neighboring countries, and then hold an ecumenical and interreligious meeting with young people.

Pope’s visit is historic and comes at a crucial moment as Macedonia seeks entry into the European Union and NATO. The pope’s visit strengthens further internal cohesion and unity, and brings messages of reconciliation and solidarity.

Traffic restrictions and heightened security measures will be put in effect in Skopje due to the Pope’s visit.