«May God our Father grant peace and consolation to all those who suffer, and inspire the international community to respond wisely and justly to such unprecedented violence.» Pope Francis made this statement in a message he sent to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria today, to commemorate the day of friendship between Copts and Catholics.
Fourty-three years ago on May 10th, the first encounter between Pope Paul VI and head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Shenouda III, took place.
«After centuries of silence, misunderstanding and even hostility,» the Pope writes, «Catholics and Copts increasingly are encountering one another, entering into dialogue, and cooperating together in proclaiming the Gospel and serving humanity.»
In the face of many contemporary challenges, the Pope encouraged Copts and Catholics to offer «a common response founded upon the Gospel.»
In the message, Francis also underscores the present suffering of Christians in many parts of the world, especially Iraq and Syria, and prays for the international community to react to the violence.
The Holy Father also assured the Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark of his prayers for the Christian community in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Message: https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-message-to-his-holiness-tawadros-ii-2/
