On the occasion of the death of Pope Francis, following his video address on social networks yesterday, today Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made an official statement.
Here is part of the text published on the official website of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“In the atmosphere of Easter joy, with deep sorrow we learned of the repose of Pope Francis – our dear brother in Christ. From the first moment of his ascension to the Apostolic See, we were connected by fraternal relations and cooperation for the good of our Churches and of all humanity.
Throughout the 12 years of his pontificate, he remained a faithful friend of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a true friend of Orthodoxy and a devoted advocate for the “least” brothers of the Lord. He often spoke on their behalf, acted in their support and even washed their feet – an example of humility and brotherly love.
We will always remember him.
In 2014, just a year after his election, at my suggestion we traveled together to Jerusalem, where we knelt and prayed before the Holy Sepulcher. We spent several days in the Holy Land, talking and discussing the future of our sister Churches. Then I said to him: “Your Holiness, in a few years we will celebrate 1700 years since the convening of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. Let us honor this event together and talk about the path to the common Chalice.”
He accepted the idea with enthusiasm: “A wonderful thought and proposal! If we are alive and well, with God’s help, let us carry out this pilgrimage. If not – our successors.”
Pope Francis strongly desired to participate in the celebrations this year and repeatedly stated it to the media and our representatives in Rome. But, as we say, he was not destined to come in person.
If I am healthy, the Ecumenical Patriarchate will celebrate this anniversary with dignity. Regarding the Catholic Church – this will depend on the newly elected Pope, on his views and desire to join us in Nicaea (today’s city of Iznik, near Bursa, Western Turkey) and to emphasize the significance of this historical date.
Today, gathered in the Ecumenical Patriarchate with all the hierarchs of the Holy See in Turkey, as we exchange Easter greetings, with one heart and mouth we pray for the repose of our beloved Pope Francis.
We ask the Lord of life and death to reward him for his labors in the service of the Church and humanity, and to raise up a worthy successor to him – a man who will continue his mission, work for the good of the whole world and for the rapprochement of our Churches.
Eternal memory to you, Pope Francis.”
Photo: First Council of Nicaea, fresco. A Russian Orthodox depiction of the Council of Nicaea
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First published in this link of The European Times.
