Pope Francis said Mass
Tuesday with Greek Melkite Patriarch Youssef Absi, stresing it
was for the "persecuted".
Elected on June 21st last year, Patriarch Absi took over from
his predecessor Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, who retired at
the age of 83.
In a letter, sent to the new leader the following day, Pope
Francis granted 'Ecclesiastical Communion', putting his seal of
approval on the election.
In his meeting with Greek Melkite bishops Monday, Pope
Francis spoke of the difficult situation facing the Christian
communities throughout the Middle East. He said he hoped that
Church leaders, through the witness of their own lives, could
encourage their people to remain in those lands, despite the
many challenges they face.
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