Pope Francis sends greetings to new head of Syrian Orthodox Church

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message of congratulations to the new Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II. He told the new Patriarch of his “joy” at the news of his election, and expressed his hope that the “continuing friendship and dialogue” between the Catholic Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church “may be further developed and deepened.”

The full text of the message is below

To His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II
Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
and Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church
I received with joy the news of the election of Your Holiness as Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. I gladly extend to you and to the clergy and faithful of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate my good wishes and prayerful solidarity, asking the Holy Spirit to bestow his abundant blessings upon your lofty ministry.
It is my prayer that Your Holiness may be a spiritual father for your people and an untiring builder of peace and justice, serving the common good and the good of the entire Middle East in today’s difficult circumstances. It is important for all Christians to bear witness to the love and fellowship that binds us together, mindful of the prayer offered by our Lord at the Last Supper: that all may be one, so that the world may believe (cf. Jn 17:21). I thank the Almighty for the bonds of fraternity between the Catholic Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church and I hope and pray that our continuing friendship and dialogue may be further developed and deepened.
May our heavenly Father fill Your Holiness with peace and strength for the noble task that awaits you.

FRANCISCUS PP.