Patriarch of Bulgaria: With the hope of the Resurrection, we bid farewell to Pope Francis

In a heartfelt condolence message to Archbishop Luciano Suriani, Apostolic Nuncio to Bulgaria, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church expressed sincere sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, noting that “the Bright Week of Pascha, celebrated this year by all Christians together, has been marked by a great loss.”

Patriarch Daniel offered comfort through the lens of faith: “We Christians always view death through the perspective of the Resurrection of Christ, as a pledge of the future universal resurrection of the dead.”

He emphasised the hope that defines the Christian worldview and reflected on the symbolic title of Pope Francis’ last autobiographical book: “It is no coincidence that his final autobiographical work was titled Hope. With this hope, with this living expectation of the Resurrection… we pray to God for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.”

He concluded with a moving prayer: “May God forgive him all his voluntary and involuntary sins. With love and hope in the Risen Saviour.”