Participation of Bulgarians in The Franciscan Missions in Southeastern Europe During The 17 th Century: Paolo Da Cinquefonti

The Bulgarian Catholics’ history should not be studied independently but in connection with the general Roman Church’s Balkan policy in the Ottoman period. The Bulgarian Catholics and their Franciscan priest were in contact with other Catholic groups living under the Ottomans, as well as outside the Empire. They are part of a sort of religious network that goes beyond political and geographical borders. Bulgarian Franciscans participated in Roman Church’s missions in the 17th century, being sometimes appointed to important positions. They are educated in the Catholic colleges in Italy and, being fluent in Italian and Latin, are familiar with the European intellectual trends and political concepts of their time. Actually, they are the main bearers of modern ideas among the Bulgarians