Macedonian capital Skopje prepares for the papal visit tomorrow – first in Macedonian independence.
Pope Francis arrives tomorrow morning and will meet President Gjorge Ivanov and other state and religious leaders, before holding a cermon on Macedonia Square in downtown Skopje.

The city is on a total lockdown in anticipation of the visit. Major roads and intersections will be closed tomorrow and residents in the downtown area are being warned to remove their vehicles. Potholes which remained unfilled for years are hastily being paved over. The two large hotel construction sites in the main square where the Pope will preach, which are abandoned by their investor, are draped with white cloth to obscure the actual look of the square.

Those interested to attend the sermon are warned that, once in, they will not be able to leave the square until the event has finished. Citizens are cautioned not to carry any types of weapons with them, but also basic cosmetics and equipment, food and drinks in hard packaging and large flags. Those suffering from chronic illnesses are told to carry their medical history with them in case they have issues in the congested central city area. Manhole covers are welded shut and even dumpsters are removed from the city, although the large stray dog population seemingly resisted the thorough scrubbing of the neglected capital.

Most talked about is the closing of the Mother Teresa clinic compound for all patients and visitors starting with Monday afternoon. The facility is Macedonia’s main healthcare providing center, but is also directly on the road Pope Francis will have to take to get to President Ivanov’s residence.

Stobi winery, owned by construction and metals mogul Minco Jordanov, won the honor to provide the wine for Pope Francis. His Amyntas and Roxana red, Rkaciteli white and Allegro rose will be the wines of choice during the religious ceremonies.