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CWN - Pope Francis has sent a message of thanks to Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II, expressing his “profound appreciation for your hospitality” during the papal visit to Egypt last month.

The Pope’s message was dated May 10, the 4th anniversary of a visit to Rome by the Egyptian prelate. In it, Pope Francis speaks of “the spiritual bonds uniting the See of Peter and the See of Mark.”

The Pontiff says that he was moved by the opportunity to join with the Coptic prelate in prayer. In particular he writes, “I am especially grateful that we have strengthened our baptismal unity in the body of Christ by declaring together “that we, with one mind and heart, will seek sincerely not to repeat the baptism that has been administered in either of our Churches for any person who wishes to join the other.”

References:

• Message from the Holy Father Francis to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II on the occasion of the day of friendship between Coptic Orthodox and Catholics (Vatican press office)