Congratulations sent to newly elected Pope Francis

In a letter dated March 14, 2013, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon offered congratulations to the newly elected Pope Francis.

“It is with joy that I convey to You the congratulations of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America on the occasion of Your election as Pope,” the letter opens.  “Your example as Archbishop of Buenos Aires has told the world that Your commitment is to the Gospel of Christ, its truth and its love.  Your witness during Your first steps as Pope confirms this commitment strongly and without reservation.”

The entire text of the letter is posted in PDF format here.