CT News
March 23, 2026 : On March 17, the longest serving patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, passed away.
His funeral drew massive crowds, with mourners lining the streets, holding candles and flowers, and paying tribute to a man many called a father, friend, and guide.
Pope's message
In a message read during the funeral ceremony of the late patriarch, Pope Leo XIV described him as the 'voice of reconciliation' and 'tireless builder of unity.' He also recalled his passion for music, 'an inspiration for the search for beauty' that unites the Churches.
In the message, the Holy Father reflected on the long life of Patriarch Ilia II (1933-2026), describing him as “a devoted witness to faith in the Risen Christ.” The Patriarch’s ministry involved accompanying the people of Georgia “through difficult times and profound epochal change, lovingly preserving tradition and opening hearts and communities to hope” - including the Georgian civil war (1991-1993).
During his 49-year ministry (1977-2026), Patriarch Ilia II was a “spiritual father, a voice of reconciliation and a tireless builder of unity” for many. The Catholicos-Patriarch had met with two of Pope Leo’s predecessors: Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.
Georgian Orthodox Church
The Georgian Orthodox Church is a branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church with historical ties to and cultural importance in the country of Georgia. With more than 3 million members, it is the largest Christian denomination in the country.
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