Pope Calls Synod to Elect New Patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians

(15 Jan 09 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI, today called for a Synod of bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church, to take place in Rome from 17 to 23 January, in order to elect a new patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians and of All the East.

The Synod will begin with two days of prayer and reflection and will be presided by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches