Message of Pope Francis ahead of visit to Romania

Pope Francis has sent, on Tuesday evening, a message to the Romanians before his visit to Romania, which begins on Friday, 31 May. Sovereign Pontiff has pointed out "the ties of faith that unite us" and thanked for the preparations made in Romania for the Apostolic Visit.

"Dear brothers and sisters from Romania! There are only a few days left until the trip that will take me to you. This thought makes me happy and I wish to address my most sincere salute. I come to Romania, a beautiful and welcoming country, as a pilgrim and a brother, and I thank the President and the other state authorities for inviting me and for their entire cooperation. I already enjoy the happiness of meeting with the Patriarch and the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church as well as with Catholic pastors and believers", said Pope Francis.

"The ties of faith that unite us come from the Apostles, especially from the bond that united Peter and Andrew, who according to tradition has brought faith to your land. Brothers of blood, they were brothers in shedding blood for the Lord. Among you there were also so many martyrs, even in recent times, like the seven Greek Catholic bishops whom I will have the joy of proclaiming as Blessed. The fact that they have suffered to the utmost, scarifying their lives, is a very precious heritage that cannot be forgotten. And it is a common inheritance, which calls us not to move away from the brother who participates in it. I'm coming among you, to be together. We are side-by-side when we learn to keep our roots and family, when we take care of the future of the children and the brother next to us, when we overcome our fears and suspicions, when we break down the barriers that separate us from the others. I know many of you are preparing my visit intensely and I thank you from my heart. I assure you that I am close to you in my prayer and I give you My Blessing. And I ask you to please pray for me! See you soon!", said Pope Francis in his message.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei