April 18, 2013

Pope Francis writes to Catholicos Aram I

Following his enthronization, Pope Francis wrote to His Holiness Aram I and thanked him for the delegation he sent at his enthronement ceremony. Here is the text of the letter of His Holiness.

 

To His Holiness Aram I

Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians

 

In these days following the solemn inauguration of my ministry as Bishop of Rome and Successor of Peter, I write to express my heartfelt gratitude for your closeness and affection shown by the presence of the distinguished delegation which you sent to Rome for the occasion. I was deeply touched by this brotherly gesture, which was for me a source of spiritual comfort and encouragement.

 

As a brother in faith, I humbly ask you for the support of your prayers, that the Lord may guide and accompany me in my new mission. In listening to what the Spirit says to the churches, let us pledge ourselves anew to cultivate the hope of unity and to undertake all that is necessary to build peace and communion between us, not forgetting our common service to humanity, above all the poor, the weak and the suffering.

 

With these sentiments, I willingly embrace you in the grace and peace of Our Risen Saviour Jesus Christ. From the Vatican, 7 April 2013 Francis I

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