The
prefect for the Congregation for the Oriental Churches will preside at a
Eucharist on Wednesday for the victims of last week’s tragedy near
Lampedusa. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri will concelebrate, along with bishops of the Alexandrian Ge’ez Rite of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who are already present in Rome for a meeting.
The congregation noted in a communiqué that numerous victims -- both surviving and deceased -- are members of this ancient Oriental Church.
The Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Tomb in the lower level of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Members of the Pontifical Ethiopian College will also attend.