TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF THE PATRIARCH OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH

Vatican City, 18 March 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father has sent a telegram of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, for the death of His Holiness Shenouda III, Patriarch of Alexandria, who died on 17 March.

"I gratefully recall", the Holy Father writes, "his commitment to Christian unity, and his memorable visit to my predecessor Pope Paul VI when, in Rome on 10 May 1973, they signed the Joint Declaration of Faith in the Incarnation of the Son of God. I also recall his meeting in Cairo with Pope John Paul II on 24 February 2000, during the course of the Great Jubilee. The entire Catholic Church shares the mourning of Coptic Orthodox and, with fervent prayer, asks the One Who is the resurrection and the life to welcome His faithful servant to His side".