VATICAN CITY, JULY 12, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Here is the letter Benedict XVI sent to Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem after the Pope’s apostolic visit to Cyprus. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem published the letter today.
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For His Beatitude Fouad Twal
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
I am writing to thank you sincerely for the warm welcome I received from you and from the flock entrusted to your care during my recent apostolic journey to the Republic of Cyprus.
With great personal satisfaction, I had the opportunity to know first hand how, under your pastoral care, many Latin Cypriots of ancient origin have shown themselves faithful to its rich patrimony. Please, express to them my paternal prayers and good wishes to their health and prosperity.
At the same time, it was very gratifying to know that the numbers of the Catholic community have increased due to the Latin residents and immigrants of other continents, including Europe, Africa and Asia. It is my fervent prayer that all Latin Catholics in the Holy Land, with their respective languages, customs and traditions, will make an effort to collaborate happily as brothers and sisters and will become a brilliant example of the unbreakable bonds of union in love which are the real signs of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
From the Vatican, June 7, 2010
+Benedictus PP. XVI
