In a heartfelt congratulatory message dated May 10, 2025, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil extended his warm wishes to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Opening with the traditional Easter greeting “Christ is Risen!”, the Patriarch emphasized the widespread devotion shown by Catholics worldwide during the papal transition. “We became witnesses to the sincere, fervent love that millions of Roman Catholics feel toward their spiritual father,” he noted, adding that the new Pope was greeted “with great joy” by the faithful following the passing of Pope Francis.
Patriarch Daniil expressed his hopes that Pope Leo XIV would serve with “Christ’s peace in his heart” and work “to be in peace with all people.” He underlined the shared Christian commitment to “apostolic tradition, evangelical morality, and the enduring virtues of Christ,” describing them as a “guarantee of our blessed success as shepherds of Christ’s flock.”
Concluding his message, he invoked prayers for the new Pontiff: “May our Lord Jesus Christ… grant you spiritual and bodily health and strengthen you in your high and solemn ministry!”
The message ended with the affirmation of the Resurrection: “Christ is risen! Truly the Lord is risen!” — a reminder of the spiritual unity that binds Christians across traditions.
