Evangelical Pastor Friend of Pope Francis Dies Suddenly

Evangelical Pastor Friend of Pope Francis Dies Suddenly

Tony Palmer Became Famous in January for Filming Pope's Message on IPhone

London, July 21, 2014 (Zenit.org) 

An evangelical pastor who was a close friend of Pope Francis has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

British-born Tony Palmer, a bishop with the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches, died in hospital in England Monday, hours after undergoing surgery following the accident.

In January this year, Pope Francis gave Palmer a message to give to a charismatic conference, hosted by television evangelist Kenneth Copeland. Palmer showed the audience the video message, recorded on his smartphone, in which the Pope spoke encouragingly of ecumenism and unity.

The well-received message was viewed by many as a remarkable development, especially as not long ago conservative evangelicals in North America were inclined to view the Catholic Church in highly negative ways.  

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On the NET:

Video of conference and Pope's message given to evangelical leaders earlier this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA4EPOfic5A