Did Eastern Catholics Really Need the Pope to Tell Them This?

If so, what does it say about how they perceive themselves? If they didn't, could he have handled this better?

Pope to Eastern Catholic Churches: love heals divisions
Pope urges unity among Eastern Churches of Europe by Claire Lesegretain
In times of conflict, religious should set an example and promote reconciliation, Francis tells bishops

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO EASTERN CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF EUROPE

And then there is the Code of Canons of Eastern Churches, whose own legitimacy is doubtful given that they were promulgated from Rome and approved by Rome, and there is one code issued to all non-Latin Churches, as if they could be grouped together solely for being non-Latin, even if only for the sake of "convenience."

Pope Francis: 'Canon law is essential for ecumenical dialogue'



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