Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, His Beatitude Theodore II, having learned with sorrow of the passing of the venerable Bishop of the See of Rome, Pope Francis, sent condolence to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, paying tribute to the late Pope’s humility, leadership, and enduring contribution to Christian unity.
“With deep sorrow and anguish of heart,” Patriarch Theodoros wrote, “we learned of the repose in the Lord of the blessed Bishop of the Elder Rome, Pope Francis, at the dawning of the radiant week of Pascha.” He offered fervent prayers to Christ for “his blessed soul to be placed in the land of the living.”
The Patriarch recalled his personal encounter with Pope Francis during an official visit to the Holy See in January 2021, emphasizing the Pope’s simplicity and vision for a humble life among the clergy.
“He devoted two full days to our meeting,” Patriarch Theodoros noted, “sharing his perspectives on the Church in the 21st century and his personal philosophy for a modest life.”
Since that meeting, the Patriarchate of Alexandria developed a strong relationship with the Vatican based on “mutual respect and Christian love.” This collaboration was notably highlighted by the hosting of the International Joint Theological Commission for Dialogue between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches in Egypt, from June 1–10, 2023.
Pope Francis, a humble laborer of love – Theodoros of Alexandria
Pope Francis, said Patriarch Theodoros, was “a humble laborer of love throughout his priestly, episcopal, and papal ministry,” and a passionate advocate for the poor, justice, and Orthodox–Catholic relations. His courage in reforming long-standing papal traditions and guiding the Roman Catholic Church through the early decades of the 21st century was also praised.
“He was an ecclesiastical man of undeniable spiritual stature, a zealous advocate of love, equality, and justice,” the Patriarch stated, calling his legacy “a mark forever etched into the two-thousand-year history of the ancient episcopal throne of Elder Rome.”
In closing, Patriarch Theodoros prayed for Pope Francis’ eternal memory, affirming his brotherhood “in Christ, the Risen Lord.”
Source: Orthodox Times
