Pope John Paul II denied the so-called “Bulgarian connection” in the assassination attempt on his life in 1981 at his meeting with Bulgaria's President Parvanov early on May 24. The Pope assured the President he has never believed in Bulgaria’s involvement in the assassination attempt. In the words of the president, the Pope expressed the opinion that this was "an insinuation" and "great injustice" to the Bulgarian people. The Pope once again confirmed that he has always kept warm feelings to the Bulgarian people in his heart. President Parvanov underlined the respect of the Bulgarian people to the Pope. After that the Pope departed for St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, where the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Maxim and bishops from the Holy Synod held a prayer for Sts Cyril and Methodius who were pronounced by the Pope divine patrons of Europe in 1980. "Let's celebrate together and honour the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius," the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Maxim said at the solemn prayer, attended by Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg and religious faiths directorate chief Ivan Zhelev. The prayer was held amidst tight security measures. People were able to watch the prayer on a video screen outside the cathedral. Entering the Cathedral on a platform the Pope headed to the Northern altar, where the prayer was held. He thanked for the warm welcome at the Sofia Cathedral. Later on a wreath was laid at the monument of the Sts Cyril and Methodius in front of the People's Library on behalf of the Pope.

MORE - Read TODAY in the Point of View section