VATICAN - The Pope expresses condolence for the death His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and all Greece and assures his prayers

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father has sent a telegram to His Eminence Seraphim, metropolitan of Karystia and Skyros, for the death of His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and all Greece, who passed away on 28 January at the age of 69. The Pope gives assurances of his spiritual closeness to all those mourning the death "of this distinguished pastor of the Church of Greece", then goes on: "The fraternal welcome which His Beatitude gave my predecessor Pope John Paul II on the occasion of his visit to Athens in May 2001, and the return
visit of Archbishop Christodoulos to Rome in December 2006, opened a new era of cordial co-operation between us, leading to increased contacts and improved friendship in the search for closer communion in the context of the growing unity of Europe. "I and Catholics around the world pray that the Orthodox Church of Greece will be sustained by the grace of God in continuing to build on the pastoral achievements of the late archbishop, and that in commending the noble soul of His Beatitude to our heavenly Father's loving mercy you will be comforted by the Lord's promise to reward His faithful servants".” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/1/2008; righe 18, parole 262)