Papal condolences upon death of Orthodox patriarch
December 10, 2012
Pope Benedict has offered his condolences following the death of Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch, the third-ranking prelate within Eastern Orthodoxy.
“During his long life of service to the Gospel, the deceased patriarch offered luminous testimony to faith and charity, working with dedication for the spiritual elevation of the flock entrusted to him and for the noble cause of reconciliation and peace among men,” Pope Benedict said in a letter.
“I render thanks to God for the positive and effective contribution the late Patriarch Ignatius made to the process of conciliation between our two Churches,” Pope Benedict added. “Let his memory invite us to continue on the path of dialogue and the search for full communion in Christ.”
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Further information:
- Letter of Condolence on the Death of Patriarch Ignatius Hazim IV (VIS)
- Leading Orthodox prelate dead at 91; appealed for peace in Syria (CWN, 12/7)
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