President-elect Biden Writes to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

In recent days US President-elect Joe Biden has written to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, spiritual leader of the world's Eastern Orthodox Christians.Mr.Biden was responding to the Patriarch's letter of congratulations to him in early November,soon after he was declared victor by several news organisations.Patriarch Bartholomew had fondly recalled their meeting in Constantinople while Mr.Biden was Vice President during the Obama presidency.Here is the text of the President-elect's letter: Your Holiness, Thank you for your kind words and wishes.I'm sorry because we have not yet had the opportunity to contact you by phone. It is a great honor to be elected the next President of the United States, and I realize just how much work lies ahead of us.Vice President-elect Harris and I will take office at a time of great global challenges-from the coronavirus to climate change-that transcend borders and require international cooperation.We look forward to working with you at this difficult time. Thank you again, Your Holiness.I look forward to a future dialogue. Sincerely, Joe P.S. (handwritten) Be well.We need your leadership.* Patriarch Bartholomew plans to visit the US in the autumn of 2021.*