Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his support for Pope Leo XIV following his surgery

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a warm, fraternal message to Pope Leo XIV, in which he expressed his sincere wishes for the head of the Roman Catholic Church’s speedy and full recovery. According to Fos Fanariou, the letter was sent prior to the surgical procedure, which took place at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital.

In his message, the head of the Phanar assured the pontiff of his spiritual support. “May your strength be renewed for the sake of the lofty ministry entrusted to you,” the letter reads. The Patriarch also expressed hope for a personal meeting as soon as the Pope’s health permits.

According to a source, the Patriarch’s visit to Rome is scheduled for October 23. As part of the trip, the head of the Church of Constantinople will participate in events at the Pontifical University “Angelicum” and will also hold an official meeting with the Pope at the Vatican. In addition, the visit’s itinerary includes a joint trip to Assisi, where celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death will take place at the Basilica of St. Francis.