By Emilios Polygenis
Pope Francis held a meeting with the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Friday June 28.
The delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate arrived in Rome on the Thronal Feast of the Roman Catholic Church for the memory of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
The delegation was led by Archbishop Job of Telmessos, accompanied by Bishop Maximos of Melitene and Deacon Bosporios, Codecographer of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Pontiff, who stressed that “Orthodox and Catholics must work together and join forces to cope with modern challenges.”
Also, the Pope the delegation’s presence, stressing that this is “a sign of the solid bonds linking the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.”
“The Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul invites us to renew the charity that generates unity,” said Pope Francis.
It has also highlighted that Catholoic and Orthodox faithful are working together to combat modern forms of slavery, to deal with the refugee issue, and to promote peace throughout the world.
Pope Francis reminded the delegation of his recent Apostolic Journeys to Bulgaria and Romania, saying he returned to Rome with “a greater desire for communion.”
Concluding his remarks, Pontiff said that the restoration of full unity between Catholics and Orthodox can only be achieved through “respect for specific identities.”