Cardinal Sandri on 3-day visit to Germany

02.Oct 2013: Cardinal Leonardi Sandri , Prefect of Vatican’s Congregation for Oriental Churches
will visit Germany October 3-6, as a sign of gratitude and encouragement for the solidarity shown to the stressed Eastern Churches in Iraq, Egypt, Syria and the Holy Land. The Congregation said on Wednesday, the 3-day visit is also for the opening of the campaign of "Missio” and the missionary month, and it will take place in the Cathedral of Cologne, with a solemn concelebration of Mass on Sunday 6 October.
In the days prior to Sunday’s celebration, Cardinal Sandri will visit locations and meet some of the Officers and Employees of various church agencies, among them Missio and Misereor and express thanks and solidarity. The presence of the Coptic Catholic Patriarch, Ibrahim Sidrak will offer the opportunity to experience live the latest developments on the situation in Egypt, where in recent months there were heavy clashes between the civilian population, and some episodes directed against Christian churches, their pastors and faithful.
On Saturday Cardinal Sandri will meet with the Chaldean community in Essen, and preside over Holy Mass..