Pope Francis congratulated the newly elected Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians. Bishop Krikor Ghabroyan, the Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of France was elected last week, taking the name Gregoire Pierre XX Ghabroyan.
The Holy Father responded to the Patriarch’s request of ecclesiastical communion following his election. He also expressed his “fraternal and congratulations” to the patriarch. “I implore for you abundance of divine gifts so that your ministry will bear numerous fruits,” he wrote.
“Your Beatitude’s election comes at a moment in which the Church faces difficulties and new challenges, as, in particular, a part of Armenian Catholic faithful who are going through great trials in the Middle East. However, enlightened by the light of faith in the Risen Christ, our look on the world is full of hope and mercy, because we are certain that the cross of Jesus is the tree that gives life.”
The 78 year old Pontiff went on to express his confidence that the newly elected Patriarch will serve with “evangelical wisdom” as a shepherd to the people. “The numerous Armenian martyrs, and Saint Gregory Narek, Doctor of the Church, will not fail to intercede for you.”
Concluding his message, Pope Francis granted the ecclesiastical communion requested by the Patriarch and entrusted his ministry to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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On ZENIT’s website:
For the full text of the Pope’s address, go to: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-message-to-new-patriarch-of-cilicia-of-the-armenians
