site.btaCatholic Community in Rakovski Mourns Death of Pope Francis

The Catholic community in Rakovski (South Central Bulgaria) mourns the death of Pope Francis, Father Mladen Plachkov of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church told BTA. "We will pray for his soul," he added. The town of Rakovski and the surrounding settlements are home to Bulgaria's largest Catholic community. 

In 2019, Father Mladen Plachkov welcomed Pope Francis to Rakovski, where the head of the Roman Catholic Church administered First Communions to nearly 250 children. 

"His visit to Bulgaria and our municipality left an indelible mark in our hearts. Those moments of blessing and spiritual proximity will remain forever in our memory," Rakovski Mayor Pavel Gudzherov said. In his words, Pope Francis was "not only the head of the Roman Catholic Church, but an example and inspiration, a spiritual leader, a symbol of kindness, humility and humanity.