Bulgaria’s Premier Rosen Zhelyazkov congratulated Pope Leo XIV after his inauguration as the leader of the Catholic Church. Rosen Zhelyazkov wished Pope Leo XIV health, longevity and wisdom. The two had a brief conversation after the official service at the Vatican, the government’s press service said.

In his conversation with Pope Leo XIV, Premier Zhelyazkov expressed confidence that relations between the Bulgarian State and the Vatican would continue to develop positively. Premier Zhelyzkov also emphasized the importance of the good dialogue between the Vatican and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the statement said.

Prеmier Zhelyazkov and Pope Leo XIV also discussed the upcoming meeting on the eve of May 24. Next week, when Bulgaria celebrates one of its most cherished holidays – the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture and of Slavic Literature – a Bulgarian delegation will visit the Vatican. The delegation will be led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.

• Bulgaria congratulates newly elected Pope Leo XIV

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: Press Centre of the Council of Ministers