Svetlozar Eldurov's book "Catholics in Bulgaria: 1878-1989" is the first ever comprehensive study of that period in the history of the Catholic community in Bulgaria. The work is based on extensive archival research and is comparable in scope to Prof. Lyubomir Miletich's ethno-linguistic studies written a hundred years ago.

The monograph traces the historical development of the community in four periods: from the Liberation in 1878 to the First Balkan War in 1912, between 1912 and 1918, between the two World Wars, and under the totalitarian regime. The author chronicles the specifics of the two Latin-rite dioceses, Sofia-Plovdiv and Rousse-Nikopol, described by Eldurov as the "showcase" of the Catholic Church in Bulgaria, and the Byzantine-rite Apostolic Exarchate of Sofia, which takes its origins from the Uniates.

Eldurov explains in his book that most of the literature since the start of the 20th century has viewed Catholics as alien and damaging to Bulgarian national unity. Along with the other religious denominations, Catholicism has long been just a subject of study for the purposes of scientific atheism. After November 10, 1989, the subject of Catholics gained popularity in connection with the fresh disclosures of the crackdown on them under communism.

The Head of the Catholic Roman Church is to make a historic visit to Bulgaria May 23 - May 26 (www.popeinbulgaria.com), for which some BGN 259,000 has been earmarked by the Cabinet. The contractors under the project still have not been appointed, nor is it clear whether the expenses will be handled under the Public Procurement Act. A total of BGN 155,000 will be used for the meeting at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which includes the constructing of the platforms and, decoration with flowers and flags, coverage by the Bulgarian National Television, royalties of the performance. The additional expenses on the security are also included in the sum. Representatives of the Cabinet said that this is an investment in the good image of Bulgaria.

Over 20,000 people will be able to attend the solemn mass, which Pope John Paul II will serve May 26 in Plovdiv's central square (www.popeinbulgaria.com). A mass in Bulgarian will be served as well, the Catholic Church in Bulgaria announced. VIP guests and journalists will enter the square through special checkpoints. Those who do not make it to the square will be able to watch the service on either of the two big video screens that will be set up.

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