More than 1 billion 200 million Catholics around the world are celebrating Easter today. In Bulgaria, Catholics account for around 1 percent of the population, with large Catholic communities in Sofia, as well as Plovdiv, Hissar, Rousse and Pleven.

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev addressed the Catholic community in the country:

… In this festive for all Catholics season, families scattered around the world will come together to honour the Resurrection. In these times, shared with our loved ones, let us remember all people who lost their lives in recent months in armed conflicts and barbarous acts of violence. Let us think of the people forced to leave their homes in search of safe haven and of the children deprived of their childhood. Empathy with the pain and suffering of our neighbour, solidarity and understanding are what must guide our deeds, because only together can we cope with the challenges of extremism and violence.

This year Christian Orthodox Easter falls on 1 May.