Pope expresses condolences on the death of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia

Pope Leo sent an official message to the hierarchy of the Georgian Orthodox Church, in which he expressed deep sorrow over the death of Patriarch Ilia. The head of the Roman Catholic Church noted the many years of service of the late Primate, calling him a significant figure who accompanied the Georgian people at crucial moments in history.

According to Orthodoxia.info news portal, the letter was addressed to Metropolitan Shio, the locum tenens of the patriarchal throne. In his address, the pontiff emphasized that Patriarch Ilia was a voice of reconciliation and worked tirelessly to preserve national traditions and strengthen society during the serious trials of recent decades. Pope Leo emphasized his unifying role, which was key to stability within the country.

The text of the message also mentions the late patriarch’s historic meetings with the current pontiff’s predecessors, John Paul II and Francis, which emphasizes the continuity of the dialogue between the churches. The Pope concluded the letter by expressing his hope that the Holy Synod and all the people of Georgia will find consolation in this difficult hour of trial.