The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC), His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, together with three distinguished members of the SOC Holy Synod of Bishops, received on Friday, October 28, 2022 at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade H. E. Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Cardinal Koch was accompanied by the Metropolitan of Belgrade Mons. Stanislav Hočevar and three high representatives of the Holy See. 

The two delegations agreed that the continuation of the dialogue and the further improvement of cooperation between the SOC and the Roman Catholic Church are important to foster more consistent witness to the gospel values necessary for today’s world, and especially for Europe.  

Cardinal Koch conveyed to His Holiness greetings and the best wishes of Pope Francis, as well as his appreciation for the Patriarch’s former and recent activities in Croatia, particularly emphasising the messages that the Patriarch expressed during his recent visit to Vukovar. Patriarch Porfirije asked Cardinal Koch to transfer to Pope Francis his warm personal greetings and deep gratitude of the SOC for the standing of the Holy See regarding Kosovo and Metohia.