Melkite patriarch pressured to resign?
May 09, 2017
Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregory III Laham is 83 years old, and so his resignation—accepted by Pope Francis this week—would appear to be a matter of routine. But Gianni Valente, reporting for Vatican Insider, writes that the Syrian prelate stepped down under pressure from the Melkite synod.
The Melkite patriarch has been outspoken in his support for Arab leaders and his criticism of Western intervention in region. But according to Valente’s report, his conflicts with the Melkite synod arose because an autocratic leadership style.
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Further information:
- The Gregory-era, Patriarch of the “Church of Islam”, comes to an end (Vatican Insider)
- Melkite patriarch resigns (CWN, 5/8)
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Posted by: Archpriest -
May. 09, 2017 7:28 PM ET USA
Even in leaving his office Gregory III is controversial. Rather than submitting his resignation to the Melkite Holy Synod as is customary, he submitted it to the Pope of Rome which, in itself is a slap in the face to the Holy Synod and our canons. Hopefully, the Holy Synod will elect a new patriarch who will defend the rights of our Church and fully respect and function within the synodal tradition of our Melkite Church.
