Greetings to the Ecumenical Patriarch

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, is visiting Milan (Italy) to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan, signed by Constantine and Licinius, respectively the emperors of the western and eastern parts of the Roman empire, in 313 A.D.  The treaty granted freedom of worship to Christians throughout the Roman Empire, putting an end to religious persecution.

On the occasion of the visit of the Patriarch of Constantinople, the Holy Father, Pope Francis sent a message yesterday, via the Secretary of State, to the Archbishop of Milan, His Eminence, Angelo Cardinal Scola in which he expressed his greetings to the Patriarch, the participants in the commemoration and to all the residents of the city of Milan.

Message of His Holiness, Pope Francis

on the occasion of the visit to Milan of the

Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I

To His Excellency, the Most Reverend

Angelo Cardinal Scola

Archbishop of Milan

Advised of the visit to that city of the Ecumenical Patriarch, on the occasion of the solemn celebration of the seventeenth centenary of the Constantine edict, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to express fraternal greetings to His Holiness, Bartholomew I, and to extend his cordial welcome to the other illustrious guests who are gathered in your city for this happy occasion, joining with them in congratulating the beloved Ambrozian Church, the civil authorities and the entire city of Milan for the importance given to the memory of the historic decision that, decreeing religious freedom for Christians, opened new paths to the Gospel and decisively contributed to the birth of European civilization.

Pope Francis hopes that today, as then, the common witness of Christians of the East and West, sustained by the Spirit of the Risen One will agree to the spread of the message of salvation in Europe and the entire world, and that, thanks to the foresight of civil authorities, the right to publicly express one's faith will be respected everywhere, and that the contribution that Christianity continues to offer to culture and society in our time will be accepted without prejudice.

With these sentiments, the Holy Father, while renewing his greeting, wishes to reiterate his closeness in prayer, and willingly imparts to you, Your Eminence, and to the entire flock entrusted to your pastoral care, a special Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant celestial graces.

His Eminence, the Most Reverend

Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone

Vatican Secretary of State