site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Zafirov: World Has Lost Pope Francis, a Voice of Conscience in Divided Times

In a Facebook post Monday, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him “a voice of conscience in divided times”.

“Today, the world lost Pope Francis, a voice of conscience in divided times. He believed that change begins in the heart of each person, and that the future belongs to those who choose peace over fear,” Zafirov wrote. The Deputy Prime Minister urged people to reflect on Pope Francis's message that peace requires patience, compassion and courage.

“Let us not just be witnesses to his mission, but its continuators. Let us build a world where kindness is a choice and humaneness is a journey,” Zafirov added.

The Vatican announced Pope Francis’s passing via a video message earlier in the day.