US President-elect Joe Biden has sent a reply letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressing his warm thanks for the congratulations letter sent by the Ecumenical Patriarch immediately after his election victory.
In his letter, Joe Biden states:
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
In a handwritten postscript, the president-elect wrote to the Ecumenical Patriarch: “Be well. We need your leadership.”