Patriarch Bartholomew prayed this afternoon at the tomb of late Pope Francis in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Primate of Orthodoxy laid white flowers on the tomb and prayed for the repose of the late pontiff's soul. Afterwards, he had a brief conversation with the Cardinal, in charge of the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin. Responding to a question from ANA-MPA, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said:
"With Pope Francis I have had throughout his papacy, these twelve years, a close friendship and cooperation for the good of our Churches, for the good of all Christianity and all humanity. We had common visions and ideals, which we tried to realize during our collaboration over the years. While preparing to come to Iznik (Nicaea),Türkiye, to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, the Lord called him to Upper Jerusalem. Today, during a special meeting with Pope Leo, we agreed to undertake this pilgrimage—one that Pope Francis was unable to make—together within this year. While the exact date has not yet been set, the pilgrimage will take place in 2025, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the convening of the First Ecumenical Council. I pray and hope that all will proceed smoothly, for the glory of the Lord, the good of the Church, and the benefit of all humanity."