By Victoria Cardiel
Vatican City, Feb 6, 2025 / 15:50 pm
Pope Francis recently reiterated his strong desire for “full unity” with other Christian confessions during a meeting with young priests and monks from the Oriental Orthodox churches.
The Oriental Orthodox churches, distinct from the Eastern Orthodox churches, adhere strictly to the first three ecumenical councils.
“The proclamation of our shared faith starts with our love for one another,” expressed the Holy Father. Despite battling a relentless cold, Pope Francis chose not to read his prepared speech during the meeting but distributed copies to attendees at Casa Santa Marta.
Addressing the young priests and monks from Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Malankar, and Syriac traditions, the Pontiff emphasized, “Divided Christians are like scattered fragments that must unite in professing our singular faith.”
“Mutual support is essential for our faith confession,” he further emphasized.
This audience formed a part of the curriculum designed for young Oriental Orthodox clergy and monastics by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.
