Bartholomeow travels to Rome to attend papal ceremony

 

Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeow on Monday traveled to Rome to attend the ceremony of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic world,  for the first time. Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag will also attend the ceremony to represent Turkey. Speaking on Bartholomeow’s visit to Rome, Rev.  Dositheos Anagnostopoulos, the spokesman for the Istanbul-based Patriarchate, said Bartholomew would become the first Orthodox spiritual leader to attend  an investiture, adding that the decision to attend the ceremony on Tuesday was "the fruit" of the growing dialogue between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox  churches. Speaking to reporters prior to his visit, Bartholomeow expressed hope that friendly relations would be further developed at the term of office of the  new pope. "As far as I’ve heard, the decision made by the Istanbul-based Patriarchate has been very much appreciated in the west. They are  happily waiting for us especially in Rome and I believe we will hold quite positive meetings," Bartholomeow said.