By Pietro Gennarini
VATICAN CITY, Nov. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence yesterday upon hearing of the death of Bulgarian Patriarch Maxim, Metropolitan of Sofia.
In his message, sent to His Emmince, Grigorij Di Veliko Trnovo, Interim President of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the Holy Father expressed deep sadness for the passing of this «beloved brother in Christ», who during the time of his life had cultivated good relations with the Catholic church.
The Pope assured the Orthodox Church and its faithful, and assured his prayers in this time of great sorrow.
«On behalf of the Catholic Church, I want to assure you, as to all the bishops, priests and faithful of the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria, I join you in your pain through prayer» the Pope said.
The 85 year old Pontiff concluded the telegram saying: “In renewing my condolences and assureing you of my remembrance and my prayers, please accept, Your Eminence, the expression of my sincere greetings in Christ”.
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On ZENIT’s web page:
For the full text of the Pope’s telegram, go to: http://www.zenit.org/article-35899?l=english
