In the heart of Bulgaria” “” “

Bulgarian politicians, intellectuals, artists, and religious leaders, all united by their gratitude and esteem for the Pope. Last year Bulgaria received a visit from John Paul II. The people had been waiting for it for years. It was an extraordinary occasion for the Catholic minority in a country that is largely Orthodox, in which 10% are Muslims and there is a sizable Jewish community. Here are some reactions from Bulgarians to the Pope’s visit. From intellectuals. According to Georgi Bakalov, a well-known historian and professor at the University of St. Clement of Ocrida in Sofia, the Pope’s mode of dialogue “is a very important gift for the Christian world where at times the will to communicate with others is unfortunately lacking. It’s a brilliant example of how difficulties can be overcome with the power of love”. “In the mind of the Bulgarian people the Pope is a very worthy and serious personality who has given so many proofs of his humanitarian and peaceful mission in the world – says Marco Semov, an expert in the psychology of peoples and professor at the University of St. Clement of Ocrida -. His visit to our country was an historical event, and left a profound trace in people’s hearts”. From other religions and Christian confessions. During his visit to Bulgaria John Paul II also met with the representatives of other religions. “The head of the Roman Church is an exceptional person”, comments today the leading mufti of Bulgaria Selim Mehmed. “I am struck by his sincere faith and the way in which he communicates with people, irrespective of their ethnicity or religion. In particular, the warm words he always reserves for us Muslims and our religion endear him to me”. The main rabbi of Sofia, Behor Kahlon, declares that “John Paul II is the first Pope to understand the truth about the Jews. His attempts to establish dialogue between Catholics and us are very important. He even came to Israel, showing a great respect for us and also speaking of the Holocaust”. Dialogue with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has been intensified significantly thanks to the personal efforts of the Pope. “John Paul II is striking for his big heart and for his love for everyone he meets”, says the metropolitan of Vidin Dometian: “No other Pope has visited so many countries and Christian communities or testified so eloquently, wherever he goes, to his being a man of the Church, sincere and noble”. From politicians and artists. Bulgarian politicians have always shown great esteem for the Holy Father, ever since the fall of Communism. The first democratically elected Bulgarian President, Jelio Jelev, considers him “a spiritual leader, a symbol”. The enthusiasm that the young feel for the Pope is especially striking. “In all the World Youth Days the young seek examples to follow and the Pope is one of the world’s greatest examples of spiritual strength – notes Princess Maria Luisa of Bulgaria, daughter of Queen Giovanna of Savoy -. What I appreciate most in the Pope is his steadfastness and charity. In spite of his health problems he continues to journey to help the faithful and defend the peace”. For Rajna Kabaivanska, the great Bulgarian soprano of world fame, what is so impressive about him is “his struggle against every form of the oppression of man: Communism, totalitarian regimes, dictatorships, etc.”. From the Catholic Church. Msgr. Hristo Projkov, president of the Bulgarian Episcopal Conference, recalls “how important it was for the Bulgarians that the bishop of Rome could finally come and visit them. When we were the ‘Church of silence’ in Bulgaria we always felt him to be very close to us and knew he was thinking of us and praying to make us feel his support”. “He is and will remain great in the history of the Church and of the Papacy, but he is and will remain also a ‘giant’ in the history of humanity. It may truly be said that John Paul II has been an universal Pope, a Pope for everyone”, says the apostolic nuncio Msgr. Giuseppe Leanza. “The Pope has turned Catholics into the confession that is most active in interreligious dialogue”, adds Father Mario Polzin, vicar of the bishop of Sofia–Plovdiv. A mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated in the parish church of St. Joseph in Sofia on 23 October.