Pope Francis meets members of
Greek Melkite Synod
The new Greek Melchite Patriarch Youssef Absi |
In his words to the Eastern-rite bishops, led by Patriarch
Youssef Absi, the Pope spoke about the suffering of Christians in the Middle
East
Pope Francis met on Monday with members of the Greek Melkite
Synod, led by their new Patriarch of Antioch Youssef Absi.
Elected on June 21st last year, Patriarch
Absi took over from his predecessor Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, who retired
at the age of 83. In a letter, sent to the new leader the following day, Pope
Francis granted ‘Ecclesiastical Communion’, putting his seal of approval on the
election.
In his meeting with the Greek Melkite bishops, Pope Francis
spoke of the difficult situation facing the Christian communities throughout
the Middle East. He said he hoped that Church leaders, through the witness of
their own lives, could encourage their people to remain in those lands, despite
the many challenges they face.
In this particularly difficult time, the Pope said,
pastors are called upon to show communion, unity, closeness, transparency and
solidarity with their suffering people. He added that on February 23rd,
the day of prayer and fasting for peace, he would be remembering particularly
all those affected by the years of suffering in Syria.
Noting that the Greek Melkite bishops have just concluded a
meeting of their Synod in Lebanon, Pope Francis stressed that the Church needs
pastors who can revive the hearts of the faithful, staying close to them and
accompanying them in their search for the Lord.
Pastors, he insisted, must not be attached to money or
luxury, but instead should share the poverty of their suffering people. Rather
than being contented with things of this world, he said, they should always be
journeying and leading others to God.
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