EUROPE/BULGARIA - “Poor Catholic families suffer but they are certain the Pope’s suffering is worse than their own and they pray for him”, Capuchin friar in Sofia tells Fides

Sofia (Fides Service) - “We visit poor families regularly and lately all of them have been inquiring about the Pope, assuring us of their prayers for him. They say life their is difficult but they also say that the Holy Father is suffering even more and this is why they offer prayers to comfort him”, Capuchin Father Cristoff, parish priest in Sofia, told Fides “We pray for the Pope at Mass and also at special prayer vigils. We have always taught the faithful that suffering, united with the suffering of Christ, has a redemptive value for salvation of the world. Our Catholics pray often together with Orthodox Christians” Fr Christoff told Fides.
The national media are giving ample space to the Pope’s health condition, “they mention in particular the assassination attempt in 1981. There is general interest for the Pope” the Friar said.
Catholics in Bulgaria are less than 1% of the population. The Franciscans give special attention to young people “Communism froze the cultural development of Catholics. Today the faithful are very simple people, and most are extremely poor. The generation of 22-25 year olds is the first to have the opportunity to go to university. We accompany them on their journey of human and spiritual growth”. Fr Cristoff concluded. Capuchin Friars have been present in Bulgaria for 160 years experiencing also persecution under the communist regime.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2005 righe 21 parole 231)