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Letter of the Pope to the General Minister

Thank you letter of the Holy Father following his visit to the United Arab Emirates

Reverend Father
Roberto Genuin, OFM Cap.
General Minister of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin

Returning from the journey to the United Arab Emirates, I wish to write to you with my thanks for the work you and your friars carried out for the eighth centenary of the meeting of St. Francis with the Sultan of Egypt in 1219. Your work brought forth significant fruit on the occasion of the recent visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

Like St. Francis himself was inspired centuries ago to go even to the Muslim believers, so I would ask the friars to persevere assiduously in their presences and service for the sake of all the faithful, wherever they may be.

Aware that the work of the friars is rooted in the bonds of friendship that your founder established with the Islamic communities, I give thanks for the special witness that was offered by the Capuchins.

I would also ask you to continue on this path of mutual esteem, free from any idea of the proselytism that makes strangers out of those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord.

Renewing my gratitude once again for the work of the friars and for your witness to the love of God for every man and every woman, I happily give you the Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of grace and peace.

Franciscus

From the Vatican, 12 February 2019

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Lettera del Papa

Last modified on Tuesday, 19 February 2019 17:44