Pope expresses sorrow for the death of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegramme of condolences to the Syrian Orthodox
Patriarchate of Antionch and all the East upon the death of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka
Iwas who passed away in a German hospital on March 21, at the age of 80.
In
his message, the Pope describes the Patriarch as "an outstanding spiritual leader
who corageously led his people through very difficult times".
Please find
below the full text of the Pope's message:
To the Locum Tenens Syrian
Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East
With deep sorrow I have learned
of the passing of His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, father and chief pastor of
the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and all the East, and I hasten to express to
you, to the Bishops, clergy and lay faithful, my personal condolences and the prayerful
closeness of all Catholics at this time of deeply-felt loss. The whole Christian world
has lost one of its outstanding spiritual leaders, courageous and wise in leading
people through very difficult times. Following his election ad Patriarch in 1980 His
Holiness was an engaged witness of the successive violent conflicts that have brought
untold death and suffering to the Middle East, especially to Iraq and most recently
Syria. His Holiness was a man of dialogue and peace with regard to the followers of
all religious traditions. In particular I give heartfelt thanks to God for his constant
work to improve relations among Christians and, from the time he attended the Second
Vatican Council as an observer, for his extraordinary contribution to strengthening
communion between Syrian Orthodox Christians and the Catholic faithful. May the Almighty
receive him into his kingdom and grant him eternal rest, and may the memory of his
long and devoted service to the Church live on as a challenge and a stimulus to all.