site.btaPrime Minister Zhelyazkov: Pope Francis Will Be Remembered for His Kindness and Work

“Pope Francis will remain in the hearts and minds of the people with his kindness and his work. Above all, Pope Francis was an exceptional man, an exceptional cleric, an exceptional preacher,” Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said after the end of the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis at the Vatican, which was attended by leaders from around the world, the government information service said. 

Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister arrived at the Vatican, where he and the Bulgarian delegation attended the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis. 

Zhelyazkov noted that Pope Francis had preached peace, justice, equality and fraternity among people. He stood up for the disadvantaged, for the poor, for children, for women. "He wanted the Church to be among the people, to preach for the people, for all the problems that humanity is experiencing at the moment. He advocated for the pain of the day," he added.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov recalled Pope Francis' prayer for peace during his visit to Sofia in 2019. He noted his qualities as a statesman and diplomat. The Prime Minister also recalled that Pope Francis was an outstanding friend of Bulgaria.

Pope Francis tried to break the ice and make sure that religions speak “one language”, said Father Ivan Ivanov, Church Administrator of the Bulgarian Orthodox communities in Italy and Malta and President of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church community in Rome. He also recalled Pope Francis' visit to Bulgaria and his respect for religious peace in Bulgaria.