Meeting between Pope Francis and His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II

On September 30, 2023, His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II, Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, was received by the Holy Father in a private audience.

The Patriarch, accompanied by His Eminence Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem, and His Grace Mor Awgeen Alkass, Patriarchal Secretary, had come to the Vatican at the invitation of the Holy Father on the occasion of the ecumenical prayer vigil "Together". The Patriarch and his Delegation also attended the Consistory on the same day. 

In January 2020, His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II had hosted the 17th meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches at the patriarchal residence in Atchaneh, Lebanon.

His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II's last visit to the Vatican was June 30, 2021.

_{Photos © Servizio Fotografico | Vatican Media}