Fidelity of Syrian Catholics Recognized by Pope

Cardinal Consecrates Cathedral in Aleppo

ROME, JAN. 17, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is thanking the Catholic community of Syria for its "fidelity to the Lord and to his Church and fidelity to the Bishop of Rome and to his ministry as Successor of Peter." The Pope affirmed his gratitude in a message sent to the community by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

The message marked Saturday's consecration of the cathedral in Aleppo by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches. "The Holy Father is well aware of the fidelity of the Catholic community of Syria," the message stated, as reported by L'Osservatore Romano. "He thanks the community for this fidelity and for its prayer for the fruitfulness of his service of the truth and of unity."

http://www.zenit.org/article-31487?l=english
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