After he was greeted by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, Pope Francis thanked him for his remarks, referring to him as “my brother Andrew.”
This was significant because Andrew is the patron saint of Constantinople and Peter is the patron saint of Rome; the two represent two ancient churches who are trying to retrieve the fraternal relationship that the two brother apostles had. Andrew and Peter were brothers. Andrew is the “first one to be called” and Peter is the “first one among the apostles”.
Historically, this was most probably the first time ever that an ecumenical patriarch was present at the inaugural Mass of a pope.
Locally, this is a reference to “my” Andrew, “our” Andrew, St. Andrew, the patron of my parish, our parish.
Pope Francis is already blessing this world in so many wonderful ways. He leads us well!
All things are so possible with our God, and He loves us, hallejah!!!!