St. Isaac of Nineveh, also known as Isaac the Syrian, was a revered Christian mystic, monk, and bishop.

St. Isaac of Nineveh, a seventh-century Assyrian bishop revered in Christian traditions, will be added to the list of Roman Martyrs, Pope Francis announced Saturday.

The Pope made this announcement with the Vatican’s Catholicos of the Assyrian Church of the East III. He did so on the occasion of his meeting with Mar Awa.

The meeting on November 9 celebrated two milestones: Almost 30 years have passed since the revolution. Joint Christological Declaration The agreement was signed, ending a 1,500-year-old doctrinal dispute and marking 40 years since the first historic meeting between a pope and an Assyrian patriarch.

Quote from the Second Vatican Council Unitatis Reintegration, The Pope emphasized that both Churches share “the same faith handed down by the apostles,” even if expressed differently.

Francis noted recent achievements in the Catholic-Assyrian dialogue, such as the 2001 agreement on the Anaphora of Addai and Mari, an ancient Eucharistic prayer known for its apostolic roots, and the 2017 joint declaration on the holy life.

The 2022 document titled “Church Images in Syriac and Latin Patristic Traditions” goes further basis for mutual understanding.

“Theological dialogue is indispensable in our journey towards unity,” Francis said. “The unity we long for is unity of faith,” he added, emphasizing that such dialogue must be based on truth and charity.

Pope Francis’ decision to add St. Isaac to the Martyrdom list followed a recommendation from the last Synod of the Synod. knowing the saints From other Christian traditions in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Addressing the plight of Middle Eastern Christians, Pope Francis prayed for their continued witness in a conflict-scarred region. “Through the intercession of St. Isaac of Nineveh united with the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Christ our God and Savior, may Christians in the Middle East always bear witness to the Risen Christ in this war-torn land. he said.

St. Isaac of Nineveh, also known as Isaac the Syrian, was a revered Christian mystic, monk, and bishop. He was praised for his profound writings on asceticism, compassion, and the inner spiritual life, which profoundly influenced Christian spirituality in Eastern and Western traditions.

Francis closed the meeting by inviting all present to pray to Our Father in their own language and tradition, underlining the common spiritual heritage that binds these ancient Churches together.

Francis noted that the addition of St. Isaac of Nineveh to the Catholic Martyrdom is a reminder of the common roots and common faith of both Churches, enduring centuries of separation.