Pope Benedict XVI: Message to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria (full text)
(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI has sent a Message of congratulations to the Pope
of Alexandria, His Holiness Tawadros II, who was enthroned on Sunday in the Cathedral
Basilica of St Mark in Cairo, Egypt. In the Message, Pope Benedict promises prayers
for the success of Pope Tawadros' ministry. Pope Benedict goes on to express the hope
that relations between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church will continue
to grow closer, "[N]ot only in a fraternal spirit of collaboration, but also through
a deepening of the theological dialogue that will enable us to grow in communion and
to bear witness before the world to the saving truth of the Gospel." Below, please
find the full text of the Message.
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TO
HIS HOLINESS TAWADROS II Pope of Alexandria Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark
“Grace
to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:3) It is
with fraternal joy that I send greetings to Your Holiness on the happy occasion of
your enthronement as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark. To
my Venerable Brother Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity, I have entrusted the task of conveying these greetings to you, together
with assurances of my closeness in prayer as you assume the high office of chief shepherd
of the Coptic Orthodox Church. May the Almighty grant Your Holiness abundant spiritual
gifts to strengthen you in your new ministry, as you guide the clergy and laity along
the paths of holiness, for the good of your people and the peace and harmony of the
whole of society. My thoughts turn at this time to your venerable predecessor,
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, whose long and devoted service to the Lord will surely
continue to inspire you and all the faithful. His concern for improving relations
with other Christian Churches reinforces our hope that one day all the followers of
Christ will find themselves united in that love and reconciliation which the Lord
so earnestly desires (cf. Jn 17:21).
Your Holiness, I pray that the Holy
Spirit will sustain you in your ministry, so that the flock entrusted to your care
may experience the teaching of the Good Shepherd. May they be blessed with the serenity
to offer their valuable contribution to the good of society and the well-being of
all their fellow-citizens. I pray too that relations between the Catholic Church
and the Coptic Orthodox Church will continue to grow closer, not only in a fraternal
spirit of collaboration, but also through a deepening of the theological dialogue
that will enable us to grow in communion and to bear witness before the world to the
saving truth of the Gospel. Conscious of the great challenges which accompany
the spiritual and pastoral ministry that Your Holiness is about to undertake, I assure
you of my prayers and personal good wishes. With fraternal esteem and affection I
implore God’s blessings upon you and upon all the faithful entrusted to your care.