Catholicos-Patriarch of Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel meets Pope Francis in Vatican

Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel visited the Vatican and was received by Pope Francis. This was his first visit following his election as Patriarch in September 2021. During the meeting, the importance of cooperation among Churches in Christendom was highlighted, and the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East were discussed.

The Pope emphasized the progress made in rapprochement between the Assyrian Church of the East and other Churches over the past decades. He noted the visits by leaders of Syriac Churches to the Vatican, which he described as carrying great hope for fostering cooperation and unity among believers. The Pope urged Churches to bear witness to the love of Christ and the Church.

The visit also included a discussion on the situation of Christians in the Middle East, many of whom have been displaced due to oppression and encroachment on their lands. The two leaders explored ways to address these challenges and support the Christian communities in the region.

Additionally, the Pope and Patriarch Royel addressed the issue of the schism between Churches and the need to unify the celebration of Easter. They acknowledged the importance of dialogue and collaboration in overcoming historical divisions and strengthening the shared faith.

The meeting underscored the significance of inter-Church relations and the role of Christian communities in promoting peace and solidarity. It reflected a commitment to addressing common challenges and working together for the spiritual and material well-being of believers.

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