BULGARIAN DELEGATION RECEIVED BY POPE JOHN PAUL

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 2001 (VIS) - As is traditional each year on the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Pope welcomed to the Vatican a delegation from Bulgaria. In his talk to them in French he recalled that they come to Rome "as pilgrims to the tomb of St. Cyril in the ancient basilica of St. Clement."

Speaking of the "Apostles to the Slavs," the Pope said that "the two brothers from Salonika first dedicated themselves to translating the Bible, learning the language, but also the customs and usages of the peoples who welcomed them. In creating a new alphabet, adapted to the Slav language, they made an essential contribution to the culture and literature of the ensemble of Slav nations."

John Paul II observed that, "in a Europe which seeks its identity and unity, they present an exemplary and stimulating path so that the Gospel, rooted in the culture of the peoples, thrives in and nourishes it."

"May the Bulgarian people," he concluded, "continue their path towards developing their legitimate aspirations for peace and harmony!"

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