Pope Francis sends greetings to
Bulgaria ahead of visit
Pope Francis sends his greetings to the people of Bulgaria
in a video message on Friday, ahead of his Apostolic Journey to the Balkan
nation on 5-6 May 2019.
By Devin Watkins
Pope Francis travels to Bulgaria on Sunday, on the first leg
of his two-part Apostolic Journey to the Balkans. He will visit North Macedonia
on Tuesday.
Ahead of his trip, the Pope sent his greetings to the people
of Bulgaria, saying his visit will be a pilgrimage "in the sign of faith,
unity, and peace."
"Your land is the homeland of witnesses of faith, from
the time when the Saintly Brothers Cyril and Methodius sowed the Gospel
there," he said.
Fraternal communion
Pope St. John Paul II often said their evangelizing efforts
brought abundant fruit, even in difficult times, said Pope Francis.
He noted his meeting on Sunday with Patriarch Neophyte and
the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
“Together we will manifest our willingness to follow the
Lord Jesus on the path of fraternal communion among all Christians,” he said.
Pacem in terris
Pope Francis also recalled Pope St. John XXIII, who spent 10
years as Apostolic Delegate to Bulgaria and created “a bond of esteem and
affection that still lasts today.”
The Pope said his predecessor was “a man of faith,
communion, and peace,” and that he chose the motto for his Apostolic Visit to
Bulgaria with him in mind: “Pacem in terris”.
Pope Francis concluded his video message asking all to pray
for his visit.
“May God grant peace and prosperity to Bulgaria!”
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