Armenian Orthodox Patriarch on Pope Francis

His Holiness Karekin II with then Cardinal Bergoglio ( source ). One of the most hopeful aspects of the ecumenical movement of the past decades has been the growing warmth among Western and Eastern Christians. Here is part of the letter that the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch, or Catholicos , Karekin II, sent Pope Francis on his election:

Dear Brother in Christ,

On the joyous occasion of Your election as successor to the Holy See of St. Peter, we convey to Your Holiness greetings of fraternal love and congratulations. We pray that the Lord will grant to your Holiness a most fruitful pontificate blessed with many ever-lasting accomplishments for the glory of God and the splendor of the Church of Christ.

We fondly remember our meetings and prayers together with Your Holiness in Argentina, during which we came to know you as a good shepherd, and a courageous, wise, and just Church Leader. We are happy to avow Your sincere love and affection shown towards the Armenian people . . . .

It is our prayer that our cooperative efforts will continue to grow into the future and that the relations between our two sister Churches will blossom with new achievements for the sake of meeting the challenges facing humanity, and in promoting and fortifying the dialogue and solidarity between nations and religions.

You can read the full letter here .

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