In a poignant tribute during the Paschal season, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew mourned the passing of Pope Francis, calling him “a precious brother in Christ” and “a true friend of Orthodoxy.”
“Throughout these twelve years of his papacy, he was a faithful friend, companion, and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate… He left behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love,” said the Patriarch.
Reflecting on their 2014 meeting in Jerusalem, just a year after Francis’ enthronement, Bartholomew recalled, “We knelt side by side in prayer before the Lord’s Tomb,” and shared that he had proposed a joint celebration in 2025 for the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea—an idea Pope Francis had warmly welcomed: “This is an amazing thought, an amazing idea and proposal.”
Though the Pope will not see that moment, Bartholomew affirmed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will still honour the anniversary, while the Catholic Church’s role will depend on the new Pope’s direction.
“Eternal be your memory, Brother Pope Francis,” the Patriarch concluded, offering prayers for his soul and hope for a worthy successor.
