Pope meets with leader of Assyrian Church of the East

November 17, 2016

Pope Francis met on November 17 with Mar Gewargis III, the head of the Assyrian Church of the East, and joined him in a prayer for peace, especially in Syria and Iraq.

The faithful in Syria and Iraq “walk the way of the Cross” every day, the Pope said. He cited these embattled Christians as models for others, living out their faith in adversity.

Mar Gewargis was visiting the Vatican for the first time since his selection last year to head the Assyrian Church of the East. The Assyrian Church of the East, which is not affiliated with either Orthodox or Catholic churches, is centered in the region most affected by the current bloodshed in the Middle East.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope prays for peace with leader of Assyrian Church of the East (Vatican Radio)