His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity among the churches of the Middle East in facing challenges, by fostering openness toward all communities, during his meeting with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Catholic Churches.
The Patriarch expressed his joy at meeting the Cardinal and the Dicastery’s Secretary, Archbishop Michel Jalakh. Cardinal Gugerotti introduced the staff of the Dicastery, and the exchange highlighted the good relations between the Church of Antioch and the Dicastery.
His Beatitude stressed the positive relations that unite the churches and patriarchs of the East. The meeting offered an opportunity to address current issues concerning the Christian presence in the region. Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in the face of challenges confronting humanity in the Middle East.
Later, His Beatitude met Cardinal Mario Zenari, former Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, who welcomed him and the accompanying delegation, expressing joy at meeting them in Rome after completing his seventeen years of service in Damascus.