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