Metropolitan Hilarion greets Pope Francis on his Election

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, sent greetings to the new Primate of the Roman Catholic Church with his election to the chair of bishops of Rome. The text is given below.

To His Holiness Francis

The Pope of Rome

Your Holiness,

Kindly accept my most heartfelt congratulations and good wishes on the occasion of your election to the chair of bishops of Rome.

During your ministry in Argentine, you have succeeded in establishing good and trustful relations with the local Orthodox community. I hope that your work in the new important field will contribute to the development of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and further cooperation between our two Churches called to defend together the gospel’s values in the modern secular society.

I respectfully wish Your Holiness peace, good health and God’s help in your important primatial ministry.

With love in the Lord,

+ Hilarion

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk

Chairman

Department for External Church Relations

Moscow Patriarchate