In a deeply emotional statement delivered amid the joy of the Paschal season, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his heartfelt condolences for the passing of Pope Francis, whom he described as “a precious brother in Christ” and “a true friend of Orthodoxy.”
“Throughout these twelve years of his papacy, he was a faithful friend, companion, and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate… He left behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love,” said His All-Holiness.
The Patriarch referred in particular to their historic meeting in 2014 in Jerusalem, just one year after Pope Francis’ enthronement. “We knelt side by side in prayer before the Lord’s Tomb,” he recalled, revealing that he had proposed to the Pope that they celebrate together in 2025 the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. The Pope had enthusiastically responded: “This is an amazing thought, an amazing idea and proposal.”
“It was not meant to be for him to come,” noted the Ecumenical Patriarch, adding that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will nevertheless honor this historic anniversary in some way, while the Catholic Church’s participation will depend on the stance and intentions of the newly elected Pope.
Concluding, His All-Holiness offered prayers for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and expressed hope for a worthy successor who will continue his precious work: “Eternal be your memory, Brother Pope Francis.”
