Pope welcomed to Slovakia with a gift of bread, salt and flowers

Pope Francis arrives in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia on Sunday afternoon beginning the second leg of his 34th apostolic visit abroad.

VATICAN NEWS

Pope Francis’ 4-day visit to Slovakia encompasses many elements. Two of the highlights are the celebration of the Byzantine Divine Liturgy in Prešov and a visit to the National Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows at Šaštín. The Pope is also scheduled to spend time at a center for the homeless and meet with young people. Of course, he will also spend time with Slovakian priests and religious.

Pope Francis is the second Pope to visit Slovakia after Pope St. John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the nation in September 2003.

He was greeted upon his arrival at Bratislava’s International Airport by a delegation of political and religious authorities and by two children wearing traditional costumes and bearing a gift of bread, salt, and flowers, a symbol of welcome.

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