Francis plans trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan

Joshua J. McElwee | Sep. 24, 2016

ROME As Pope Francis prepares for a Sept. 30-Oct. 2 visit to the Caucasus countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan, experts are hoping the trip might help strengthen sometimes-strained relations between the Roman Catholic and Georgian Orthodox churches.

Leaders in ecumenical affairs say the Georgian Orthodox community, to which some 83 percent of Georgia's population of about 3.7 million belong, has been somewhat closed to discussions with Catholics in recent decades. They express optimism that Francis would be able to make inroads during his visit.

Georgia's ambassador to the Holy See told journalists in Rome Sept. 19 that she hoped Francis' visit to her country would help it become better known around the world.

Tamara Grdzelidze, a respected Orthodox theologian formerly with the World Council of Churches, said many Georgians are placing stock in the power of the pope's charisma. "He just brings joy with him," she said.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/francis-plans-trip-georgia-and-azerbaijan