Pope Francis writes the head of the Coptic Church of Egypt to mark the first anniversary of their meeting

Pope Francis has sent a letter to the head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II to mark the first anniversary of their "brotherly meeting" in Rome. The letter written as the 10 May anniversary approached centered on themes of friendship and reconciliation. The pope said that encounter strengthened those spiritual bonds which unite the See of Peter and the See of Mark, and which had been renewed by the historic encounter between Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III in 1973.

Pope Francis noted with joy and gratitude, that what unites the two Churches is far greater than what divides them. The Holy Father also expressed to the Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of Saint Mark his hopes for dialogue that will overcome obstacles to communion. He concluded by assuring him of his unceasing prayers for Christians in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.