Pope Francis and
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew continue the 50-year legacy of
Catholic-Orthodox dialogue begun by Paul VI and Athenagoras.
Christopher
B. Warner
at the Vatican March 20. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via
Reuters) Francis embraces
Pope Francis met with
fraternal delegates of the Orthodox Churches, other Christian churches, and
world religions on Wednesday, March 20. These representatives had come to Rome
for Francis’ inauguration Mass on Tuesday. Prior to the Wednesday’s meeting, the
Holy Father and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople had a 20-minute
private conversation. Father Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office,
said the discussion was both “beautiful and intense.” Over the past week,
Francis and Bartholomew have set a foundation for further cooperation and
dialogue by reaffirming their joint desire to cooperate as Christian brothers
in promoting the stewardship of God’s creation, helping the poor and suffering,
and witnessing to life in Christ.
Bridge-building between
Catholic and Orthodox Christians has not missed a beat following the papal
election… [read
more]
