His Holiness Pope Francis at Holy Synod: Differences are not irreconcilable

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On the second day of his visit to Cyprus, His Holiness Pope Francis meets with the Holy Synod of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. During his address, the Pope underlined the common bonds between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches and his desire to deepen ecumenical dialogue, taking as his model St Barnabas.

Vatican News staff reporter

Greeting the Bishops of the Holy Synod at the Orthodox Cathedral of Cyprus on Friday morning, Pope Francis told them that being in Cyprus reminded him of the “common apostolic origin” they share. “Paul traversed Cyprus and went on to Rome,” he said. “We are thus heirs of the same apostolic zeal, and a single path joins us, that of the Gospel. I like to see us advancing on that same path, seeking ever greater fraternity and full unity.”

His Beatitude Chrysostomos II and Pope Francis at the Orthodox Archbishopric, Nicosia, Cyprus

Consolation and exhortation

The Pope’s attention turned to the figure of St Barnabas, noting that his name means both “son of consolation” and “son of exhortation.” 

“It is fitting,” Pope Francis said, that “he combines both these characteristics, which are indispensable for the proclamation of the Gospel.”  

“If we are to be sons of consolation,” remarked the Pope, “even before we say a word, we need to listen, to let ourselves be questioned, to discover others, to share.  Because the Gospel is not handed on by communication, but by communion.”

The Pope added that it is this that Catholics want to experience in the next few years, through the Synod of Bishops.

Meeting of His Holiness Pope Francis with the Holy Synod at the Orthodox Cathedral of Cyprus

Prayers and closeness

During his address, Pope Francis assured those present of his prayers and closeness, and that of the Catholic Church, in the most troubling problems that beset them and “in the best and boldest hopes that spur you on.”

“Your sorrows and your joys are also ours; we sense them as our own. At the same time, we feel great need of your prayers.” He also spoke of how moved he was by his Beatitude Chrysostomos II’s words on the Mother Church during their dialogue …

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