CWN - In a letter marking the first anniversary of his meeting with the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Francis assured him of his prayers for Christian unity and Egypt’s Christians.
“Conscious that what unites us is far greater than what separates us, we already experience a real communion, while recognizing that it is neither full nor perfect,” Pope Francis said in a letter to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria. “Building upon our shared moment of prayer in the course of Your Holiness’s visit to Rome, let us continue to pray to God that all his children, born to new life through the waters of baptism and enlightened by faith, may also become one in love.”
“I assure Your Holiness of my unceasing prayer for all Christians in Egypt and throughout the Middle East,” Pope Francis added. “May the Lord inspire in those who are responsible for the destiny of peoples in these lands, a firm resolve to seek just and peaceful solutions respectful of the rights of all.”
Additional sources for this story
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- Lettera del Santo Padre Francesco a Sua Santità Tawadros II, Papa di Alessandria e Patriarca della Sede di San Marco (Holy See Press Office)
- Day of Friendship Between Copts and Catholics (VIS)
- Suffering will strengthen Egypt's Christians, Pope assures Coptic leader (CWN, 5/10/13)
- The Coptic Orthodox Church (CNEWA)