Pope Francis sent congratulations to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his accession to the throne, which he will celebrate on October 22, orthodoxtimes writes.

“I pray to God that He will give you health, spiritual joy and divine grace to support every aspect of your high ministry,” reads the congratulation of the head of the Vatican.

Good relations with the head of the Phanar “grew into fraternal friendship and mutual understanding of common pastoral responsibility in front of pressing challenges for humanity.”

“I am sincerely grateful to you that you have pointed out the path of dialogue, love and truth as the only possible path of reconciliation between Christians and the restoration of a full-fledged society… the path along which we, deeply sure, will walk together, affirming closeness and solidarity between our Churches,” said Pope.