Pope: condolences at Ethiopian Patriarch's passing
(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of condolence at the passing
of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's Patriarch, His Holiness Abuna Paulos - a renowned
ecumenist and inter-religious dialogue partner who led his Church for two decades
before his passing on Thursday at the age of 76, after a lenghy illness. Below, please
find the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's message. Click the following link to
listen to Vatican Radio's interview with Deputy Secretary General of the Ethiopian
Catholic Secretariat and Pastoral Activities Commission Coordinator, Fr. Hailegabriel
Meleku, who shared his remembrance of Patriarch Abuna Paulos:
************************************** Message
of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI on the passing of His Holiness Abuna Paulos, Patriarch
of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church
Having learned with sadness of
the death of His Holiness Abuna Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox
Church, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the members of the Holy Synod,
and to the clergy, religious and faithful of the Patriarchate. I still recall with
satisfaction his visits to the Vatican, and in particular the address he delivered
to the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops on 6 October 2009
and the important observations he made on that occasion. I am also grateful for his
firm commitment to promoting greater unity through dialogue and cooperation between
the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. As the Patriarchate
mourns the death of His Holiness, I willingly offer an assurance of my prayers for
the repose of his soul, and for all who mourn him.