Here is the translation of Pope Francis’ message to the newly elected Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians, His Beatitude Gregoire Pierre XX Ghabroyan
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To His Beatitude Gregoire Pierre XX Ghabroyan
Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians
Your election to the See of Cilicia of the Armenians is for me a reason for profound joy, and I thank you for the letter with which Your Beatitude informed me about it, requesting ecclesiastical communion.
I join all the faithful of the Patriarchate to express to you my fraternal and cordial congratulations and I implore for you abundance of divine gifts so that your ministry will bear numerous fruits. When the Lord will give what is good, our land will yield its increase (cf. Psalm 85:13)!
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.
I am convinced that Your Beatitude, in communion with the Venerable Fathers of the Synod, and with the Help of the Holy Spirit, will be able to be with all evangelical wisdom Pater et Caput [Father and Head], Good Shepherd of the part of the People of God entrusted to you. The numerous Armenian martyrs, and Saint Gregory Narek, Doctor of the Church, will not fail to intercede for you.
I gladly grant you, Beatitude, the ecclesiastical communion you request from me, in keeping with the Tradition of the Church and the norms in force.
Entrusting you, as well as your ministry, to Jesus Christ and to the protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, I send you my heartfelt Apostolic Blessing, which I extend to the whole Patriarchate.
From the Vatican, July 25, 2015
Francis
[Translation by ZENIT]
