Pope Francis Celebrates 85th Birthday with Congratulations from Former Pope Benedict XVI
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[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the occasion of Pope Francis's 85th birthday, his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI sent a birthday greeting message, dpa news agency reported on the 17th (local time).
According to the report, Archbishop Georg G?nswein, personal secretary to Benedict XVI, stated that Benedict XVI sent a birthday greeting message to Pope Francis on that day. Archbishop G?nswein mentioned that the two plan to meet soon but did not disclose the content of the congratulatory message.
Since his voluntary resignation in 2013, Benedict XVI has sent birthday greetings to his successor every year without fail. It is reported that Pope Francis and Benedict XVI often communicate directly or indirectly.
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Meanwhile, on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory telegram to the Pope, AFP news agency reported. According to the Kremlin, President Putin highly appreciated the Pope's contribution to strengthening relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as between Russia and the Vatican, and proposed working together for interreligious dialogue and the protection of the rights of all Christians.
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