杏MAP导航 sends greetings to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
By Devin Watkins & Christopher Wells
On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, 杏MAP导航 Francis sent special greetings to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople traditionally exchange 鈥渇raternal visits鈥� on the respective feast days of their founders (Sts Peter and Paul for Rome, and St Andrew, the brother of St Peter for Constantinople).
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Patriarchate was unable to send a delegation to Rome.
A beautiful tradition
In off-the-cuff remarks at Mass on Monday, 杏MAP导航 Francis called it a 鈥渂eautiful tradition鈥� that 鈥渦nites us in a special way with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.鈥�
The 杏MAP导航 added that when he visited the tomb of St Peter, he felt 鈥渋n [his] heart鈥� the closeness of Patriarch Bartholomew.
鈥淭hey are here with us,鈥� he said, even if they could not be present in person.
Spiritual embrace
Later, at the Angelus address, 杏MAP导航 Francis again expressed his spiritual closeness to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
鈥淚 spiritually embrace my dear brother, the Patriarch Bartholomew,鈥� he said, 鈥渋n the hope that our reciprocal visits may resume as soon as possible.鈥�
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