The 88-year-old pontiff, who passed away shortly after delivering his Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi blessing, was honored with this Eastern Orthodox hymn, symbolizing resurrection and eternal life—a fitting tribute to a pope known for bridging divides
The return marks a significant step in Greece’s 40-year campaign to reclaim the Elgin Marbles, a collection of Parthenon sculptures taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, currently housed in the British Museum.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expresses his condolences to the Catholic world, and especially to the community of Greek Catholics, in a Facebook post following the passing of Pope Francis.
Each year, the Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem leads the Holy Fire ceremony. He enters the Edicule, a small shrine within the Holy Sepulchre encasing Christ’s tomb, alone.
“Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.”
Dendias called the meeting "fruitful and candid, in the framework of our long-standing, traditional bonds, common values, shared trust and mutual respect," saying it had reaffirmed "that Greece and France are close allies and friends and share the same perception regarding the developments in Europe and the wider region".
