Maxim, the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and the Holy Synod will send a letter to Pope John Paul II end-March, which will confirm the Patricrch’s meeting with the Pope during his visit in Bulgaria in May. This transpired after the meeting of Msgr. Renato Boccardo with Vidin’s Metropolitan Dometian. The letter is currently being discussed, they added. “Rome still expects that answer, “ Msgr. Renato Boccardo, who is in charge of Vatican protocol of the Secretary of State, said upon his arrival in Bulgaria March 5. His visit aims to clarify details in the schedule of the Pope’s visit. Msgr. Renato Boccardo pointed out that the Pope is to visit Bulgaria at the invitation of the President and the catholic community, but he hopes to get acquainted with all Bulgarian people. Pope John Paul II was invited by former President Petur Stoyanov. He is due to come to Bulgaria between May 23 and May 26. It is significant that the Pope’ s visit coincides with the celebrations of the Sts Cyril and Methodius Day, Msgr. Renato Boccardo said. Pope John Paul II wants to pay respects to the whole Christian community in Bulgaria. Meanwhile the health of 81-year-old Pope John Paul, hobbled by an arthritic knee, returned to the spotlight as he was forced to cancel his third event in two weeks to rest ahead of a hectic Easter schedule.