“The blessing of Pope John Paul II for Bulgaria’s full membership in the European Union is a clear sign for the West, which will be considered by the member states,” Foreign Minister Passy commented. According to him, Bulgaria is much closer to its strategic priorities – NATO and EU membership. “This is a very strong sign, I would even say an advice to the West,“ Passy declared. With the visit of Pope John Paul II to Bulgaria a national cause for Bulgaria and for a number of generations was realized, Foreign Minister Passy said in an interview for CNN on May 26. He pointed out that the fact that Pope John Paul has absolved Bulgaria of any link to the assassination attempt on him in 1981 was of great importance for Bulgaria. Passy also pointed out that the Papal visit exactly in 2002 was very meaningful, considering the country’s hopes for NATO invitation and acceleration of the negotiations with the European Union this year.