Georgian Patriarch to Leo XIV: In these extremely difficult times full of challenges, your support in defending true values, as well as your determination and steadfastness, will be of great significance for the entire world

In these extremely difficult times full of challenges, your support in defending true values, your dedication and steadfastness will be of great importance to the entire world, – this is stated in a letter from the Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.

The Patriarch congratulates Leo XIV on being elected Pope of Rome.

"To His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV,

Your Holiness,

We wholeheartedly congratulate you on your election as Pope of Rome. This is both a great appreciation of your personality and imposition of great responsibility.

In our most difficult times, which is full of contradictions, your support for the defense of the true values, your determination and firmness will be of great importance to the entire world.

When I met with His Holiness, Pope Fracis, I noted then and will say again that the See of Rome and the Orthodox Church of Georgia have been established by the brothers, - Apostles Peter and Andrew which, today as well, imbues our relationship with great respect.

Please accept our best wishes.

I beseech the Lord that He might grant success to your ministry not only for the good of the Catholic world but also for the entire humankind.

With fraternal love,"– reads the letter from Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, published by the Patriarchate of Georgia on social media.