Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church, welcomed a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Vatican on Saturday.
In a truly meaningful display of Christian unity, Pope Leo XIV held this meeting a day prior to the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a significant date for both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Leading the Orthodox delegation to the Vatican was His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Geron of Chalcedon. This meeting was the first for Pope Leo XIV, as it was his initial reception of the delegation since his election as the Bishop of Rome.
What did Pope Leo XIV say about the unity between Catholics and Orthodox?
During his address, Pope Leo XIV talked about the “profound communion already existing” between the Churches of Constantinople and Rome and highlighted the time-honored tradition of exchanging delegations on the feast days of their respective patron saints.
“After centuries of disagreements and misunderstanding, the resumption of genuine dialogue between the sister Churches of Rome and Constantinople was made possible through courageous and farsighted steps taken by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras,” the statement of the Pope noted.
Later on, the Pope mentioned the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Pope Leo said:
“Here I would like to mention the witness of sincere closeness to the Catholic Church given by the Ecumenical Patriarch, His All Holiness Bartholomew, by his personal participation in the funeral of the late Pope Francis, and again at the Mass inaugurating my Pontificate.”
In a clear message of Christian unity, the Pontifex maintained: “I assure you of my desire to persevere in the effort to restore full visible communion between our Churches.” It is noted that despite recent close ties between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, the Great Schism of 1054 is still in effect, preventing both sides from sharing Holy Communion with each other.
Pope Leo XIV also stressed that achieving the ambitious goal of reunification would require divine assistance, unwavering dedication to respectful listening, and open, fraternal dialogue. The Pope also conveyed his willingness to considering any suggestions from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, always in consultation with his fellow Catholic bishops who share the vital responsibility for Christian unity.
In closing his address, the Pope warmly thanked Metropolitan Emmanuel and his delegation for their presence. He asked them to extend his sincere greetings and appreciation to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the members of the Holy Synod. He then invoked the blessings of Saints Peter and Paul, Saint Andrew, and the Holy Mother of God, praying that they would guide and support their shared efforts in spreading the Gospel message.
“May Saints Peter and Paul, Saint Andrew and the Holy Mother of God, who live eternally in the perfect communion of the saints, accompany and sustain us in our efforts in the service of the Gospel,” Leo stated.
Earlier on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian Catholics who follow the Byzantine rite, also known as Greek Catholics. In his message, he asked for peace in Ukraine, saying:
“I express my closeness to martyred Ukraine—to the children, the young people, the elderly, and especially to families who mourn their loved ones. I share your sorrow for the prisoners and victims of this senseless war.”
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