Patriarch Bartholomew prays for election of "worthy successor" to Francis

Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Vatican News

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew published a message on the repose of Pope Francis.

He mentioned how he spoke to the late pontiff about plans for the joint celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the convocation of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea and the further path towards eucharistic unity with the Roman Catholic Church.

According to him, the pontiff said, "If we are well, God willing, let us make this pilgrimage to Nicaea. If not – if the Lord does not permit it – then our successors.’"

Patriarch Bartholomew stated that if he is healthy, then "of course, the Ecumenical Patriarchate will do something in this regard".

"It will not let this historic anniversary pass unnoticed. As for the Catholic Church, it will depend on the person, views, and intentions of the elected Pope – whether he will wish and when he will want to come with us to Nicaea (Iznik) and underline the importance of this great anniversary, a most significant event in the history of Christianity," the head of the Constantinople Church emphasized.

He said he prays that the Roman Catholic Church elects a Pope who embrace and adopt Francis's vision "for the rapprochement of our sister Churches, with the ultimate goal of their full encounter in the common Chalice".

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the media discussed the procedure for electing a new Pope of Rome.

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