Today, April 8, 2024, the Holy See published the decision of Pope Francis to appoint a new bishop of the diocese “Saint John XXIII“ for Eastern Rite Catholics in Bulgaria. The news was announced in Sofia as well, in the presence of clergy and faithful from the diocese in the Assumption Cathedral. by Msgr. Hristo Proykov in the presence of the apostolic nuncio, Msgr. Luciano Suriani. The meeting began with prayer and thanksgiving for the newly appointed bishop.
The new bishop is Msgr. Petko Valov, until now parish priest in Novo Delchevo, secretary of the Episcopal Conference and delegate of the Catholic Church in the National Council of Religious Communities in Bulgaria.
The new bishop will accept the position from H.V.Pr. Hristo Proikov, who ruled the diocese since 1995. According to the current statute in the Catholic Church, after reaching the age of 75, bishops submit their resignation, which becomes effective after its acceptance by the Pope. Bishop Hristo Proikov submitted his resignation to Pope Francis in March 2021, which has been accepted as of today with the appointment of the new bishop for the diocese.
„I wish the new bishop God's grace, God's strength and wisdom to guide him on his way”. The apostolic nuncio defined today as a very important day for the diocese and pointed out that although God's shepherds are imperfect, they can count on God's grace. Finally, the newly appointed bishop took the floor, who thanked God and the church for this new ministry he is taking on in the community and promised continuity. The meeting ended with the singing of “Mnogaia summera“ in honor of the new bishop.
Father Petko Valov will be ordained (ordained as a bishop) in the next three months, after which he will take over the administration of the diocese, and until then the current bishop will rule in the function of Apostolic administrator.
