Georgian Patriarch Ilia II saddened by Pope's death, cites humility, peace efforts

Ilia II, the Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia’s Orthodox Christian Church, on Tuesday expressed profound sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, highlighting his humility, advocacy for peace, and the ties he nurtured with the Georgian Orthodox Church.

In a letter addressed to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Patriarch Ilia II recalled the late pontiff's meaningful gestures toward Georgia and his spiritual leadership on the global stage.

“It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of His Holiness Pope of Rome Francis. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and convey our sorrow and sympathy to the hierarchs, clergy and congregation of your Church, to all for whom his memory is dear.

We would also like to note that we are very grateful to Pope Francis, because in Rome, in the church he entrusted to us, the Holy Liturgy in the Georgian language has been celebrated since 2014 and further, after his official visit to Georgia, as a sign of his respect for our country and our Church, he invited the Choir of the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church to the Sistine Chapel and presented the unique Georgian culture - the polyphonic Church hymns and folk songs to the whole world.

It is a generally acknowledged fact that Pope Francis was endowed with many talents, distinguished with his humility, a facilitator of many social projects and an active supporter of peace in the world… We express our deep respect for him and we are praying for his immortal soul”, the Patriarch said.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

He had been hospitalised on February 14 due to bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia by February 18.

He spent 38 days in hospital before returning to Casa Santa Marta, where he passed away.