The Church can show us, through its values and living examples, the way to renewal and reconstruction at a time when society needs reconciliation more than ever, stated President Nicusor Dan on Saturday in a message marking the enthronement of His Beatitude Claudiu-Lucian Pop, the new Major Archbishop of the Romanian Greek-Catholic Church.

'I extend my warmest thoughts and greetings to the entire Romanian Greek-Catholic community on this momentous and emotional day, as we celebrate the enthronement of the new Major Archbishop in Blaj. Today, His Beatitude Claudiu-Lucian Pop is entrusted not only with the future of the Greek-Catholic Church in Romania but also with the enduring moral legacy it has imparted to the history and conscience of the Romanian people,' said Nicusor Dan.

The president highlighted that, with the guidance of the new Major Archbishop, the esteemed tradition of the Church's priests and hierarchs will continue — leaders who have shepherded the Greek-Catholic community in Romania with dedication and wisdom, fostering the nation's development not only in times of peace but also through moments of great challenge.

'From the martyred bishops Valeriu Traian Frentiu, Vasile Aftenie, Ioan Suciu, Tit Liviu Chinezu, Ioan Balan, Alexandru Rusu and Iuliu Hossu, to the generation that revived the Greek-Catholic Church after 1989, His Beatitude Claudiu-Lucian Pop is called to carry forward a testament of faith and love — a Church open to dialogue, faithful to the Gospel and in service to others,' Nicusor Dan stated.

Drawing on both Latin and Byzantine heritage, the Romanian Greek Catholic Church has fostered a bold spirit of spiritual and cultural synthesis, where Christian values have strengthened civic responsibility and reinforced a sense of European identity, he added.

'This is a difficult task, especially in today's world, marked by a break with tradition and spiritual roots, and by a crisis of values and reference points. Therefore, this mission must continue with new generations of believers and citizens who will carry forward the values nurtured by the Church in family and society: freedom, truth, dignity, courage of faith, moral integrity, solidarity and charity,' conveyed Nicusor Dan.

The head of state noted that every occasion recognising the Greek-Catholic Church represents a restoration of national memory.

'In the schools of Blaj were born educators, theologians, cultural figures and political elites who dedicated all their efforts to affirming our nation as united, mature and dignified, faithful to democratic vocation and humanist values. Although this Church endured unimaginable suffering, it persevered through faith and sacrifice, continuing to shine amid the darkness of persecution, prohibition and dispossession. Priests served in secrecy, as did the grandfather of His Beatitude Claudiu-Lucian Pop, while Greek-Catholic believers continued to practise their faith and honour their spiritual tradition, offering society a model of peaceful resistance in the name of love for one's neighbour,' the president added.

He also highlighted the contribution of the Greek-Catholic Church to Romanian society after 1989.

'After the tragic events of 1989 and the restoration of freedom, the Greek-Catholic Church established itself as a valuable partner in dialogue with state institutions and all religious denominations, reaffirming the true spirit of fraternity and unity among Christians, and, above all, the power of forgiveness. At a time when society needs reconciliation more than ever, the Church can show us, through its values and living examples, the path to renewal and reconstruction,' President Nicusor Dan concluded. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)