Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia sent a congratulatory message to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election to the papal throne.
In his message, among other things, he stated: “Undoubtedly, nothing takes place without the providence and holy will of God. Thus, the fact that the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church discerned in Your Eminence the worthy successor to the late Pope Francis is a clear expression of divine economy. The blessed Pope Francis will remain in our memory—both personally and in the collective consciousness of the Serbian people—with the deepest respect and most cherished remembrance.
To assume the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church following such a strong and radiant spiritual figure is undoubtedly a demanding yet blessed mission. The Gospel itself strengthens us, for the Lord says: ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28, 30).”
Patriarch Porfirije went on to express his firm belief that the newly elected Pope will fulfill his mission with faith and integrity: “As one who takes Christ, the Good Shepherd, as your model and strength, we are confident that throughout your pontificate, both in word and in deed, you will lead the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church toward the eternal and unchanging values of the Gospel. These values are, now more than ever, urgently needed in today’s world—indeed, they may well be the only true response to the challenges of our time.
The Patriarch of Serbia concluded his message with a prayerful appeal for unity: “We pray to Saint Leo the Great that, through the intercessions of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, you and the entire Christian clergy may be granted strength and support in your efforts to preserve Christian unity. Like Leo I, may you contribute, in purity of faith, to the proclamation of the truth of Christ, the promotion of harmony among Christians, the strengthening of cooperation between Churches, the cultivation of mutual understanding among peoples, the defense of spiritual and moral values, the protection of the oppressed, the service to one’s neighbor, and stability and peace throughout the world.
To Your Holiness, together with the entire body of the Serbian Orthodox Church, we offer our heartfelt prayers for your health, strength, joy, and unwavering steadfastness in bearing witness to the Gospel, and we humbly pray for abundant divine grace to assist you in the fulfillment of your noble and demanding archpastoral duties.
