Pope hopes for RCC and Phanar to enter "complete visible unity"
Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: day.kyiv.ua
On March 12, 2021, Pope Francis sent a congratulatory message to the new Metropolitan of Italy of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Exarch Polycarp (Stavropoulos) of Southern Europe, in which he expressed the hope that the RCC and Phanar would enter into "complete visible unity", the official website of the Vatican reports.
The Pope believes that Catholics and Orthodox will be able to transform, "with God's help, the communion already uniting us into a complete visible unity."
In addition, Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, reminded the Phanar hierarch "of the importance of joint efforts in proclaiming the Word of God, educating new generations and serving those most in need."
According to the cardinal, "this fraternal cooperation is designed to make a particular and effective contribution to the full restoration of communion between our Churches."
The new Metropolitan of Italy replaced Bishop Gennady (Zervos) in this post, who died in October 2020.
Metropolitan Arseny of Austria (Patriarchate of Constantinople), Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe; Metropolitan Chrysostom of Cyrene of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and Bishop John of the Coptic Orthodox Church took part in the ceremony of enthronement of Metropolitan Polycarp.
It was also attended by Francesco Moralia, “patriarch” of Venice, Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, and Ambrogio Spreafico, representative of the Catholic Episcopate of Italy.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the RCC welcomes Phanar's idea of a joint celebration of Easter by 2025.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.