Bulgaria Archives

As Europe votes, Pope wages a quiet campaign for its soul

May 26, 2019

The pope and his bishops seem keenly aware of the current battle for the soul of Europe, which, in light of populist gains, risks creating a new ideological iron curtain.

By Claire Giangravè

Francis lived the dream following John XXIII in his beloved Bulgaria

May 7, 2019

From the very beginning, Francis has seen his pontificate as a revival and concrete application of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the ecumenical council summoned by “Good Pope John.”

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope urges Bulgarian Catholics to learn the language of love

May 5, 2019

Wrapping up a packed first day in Bulgaria, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the nation’s small Catholic population, telling them to get bogged down by past failures, but to allow God to beckon and surprise them, remembering this call is rooted in love.

By Elise Harris

Bulgarians thrilled to finally welcome a pontiff without baggage

Apr 30, 2019

For decades, to put “pope” and “Bulgaria” into the same sentence was to summon thoughts of tragedy and conspiracy in the wake of the 1981 assassination attempt against St. John Paul II, however, Pope Francis’s upcoming visit seems destined to set a different tone.

By Elise Harris

Pope’s swing to Macedonia/Bulgaria could pack surprising punch

Apr 24, 2019

When Pope Francis visits Macedonia and Bulgaria next month, the trip might seem like a throwaway since it won’t generate the major news waves that his other international visits deliver, however, it could be a key moment in the Vatican’s engagement with the Orthodox community and with Eastern Europe.

By Elise Harris

Vatican publishes updated schedule for pope’s visit to Balkan nations

Apr 22, 2019

Pope Francis will visit the Balkan nations of Bulgaria and North Macedonia May 5-7, encouraging the nations’ small Catholic communities, reaching out to the Orthodox and to Muslims and paying tribute to two popular saints.

By Catholic News Service