Upon learning of the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost to the Papal Throne of Rome under the name Pope Leo XIV, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa sent a heartfelt congratulatory message through the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Cairo.
“With great joy we learned of Your worthy election to the Ancient Throne of Elder Rome,” the Patriarch wrote, expressing the emotion and joy of the Church of Africa: “It gladdened Our Modesty, the Hierarchy, the clergy, and the faithful of the Patriarchal and Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark.”
Reflecting on the challenges of our time, Patriarch Theodore noted that Pope Leo XIV assumes leadership of the Roman Catholic Church “in an era of global change and realignment,” and expressed hope that his pontificate would inspire “feelings of optimism and hope.”
The Patriarch also paid tribute to Pope Leo XIV’s predecessor, the late Pope Francis, describing him as “a beloved ecclesiastical leader, a humble laborer of love, and a fervent advocate of fraternal relations between Orthodox and Catholics.” He recalled his own official visit to Rome in January 2021 at the invitation of Pope Francis, during which “he made us participants in his comprehensive ecclesiological vision.”
Special mention was made of the hosting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, which took place in Alexandria in June 2023. Patriarch Theodore described this moment as a “culmination of the friendship and cooperation between the two Churches,” founded “on the unshakable basis of love in Christ and mutual respect.”
Looking ahead, the Patriarch expressed his fervent wish that under Pope Leo XIV, the “fruitful relationship between the Ancient Thrones of Rome and Alexandria” would continue to flourish. He also conveyed his desire to visit the Holy See: “So that we may have the joy of meeting face-to-face in fraternal fellowship and chart new paths of collaboration for the benefit of much-suffering Africa—the continent of the future.”
Concluding his message, Patriarch Theodore offered warm prayers for the new Pope: “We wholeheartedly pray that the Chief Shepherd of the Church, the Lord, may grant to Your Holiness health, strength, and wisdom, so that you may shepherd God’s people in a God-pleasing manner for many blessed years.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
