Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signed a historic and symbolic joint declaration on Saturday, marking a renewed commitment to the unity of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
The two Church leaders met at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Istanbul, where they reaffirmed their dedication to full communion and emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to establish a common date for Easter for all Christians. The meeting highlighted both the spiritual and symbolic significance of fostering greater unity between the two traditions.
In their declaration, the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch unequivocally rejected the use of religion as a justification for violence. They stressed that the pursuit of Christian unity is inseparable from a broader commitment to peace. “The goal of Christian unity,” the declaration states, “includes the goal of making a fundamental and life-giving contribution to peace among all peoples. Together we fervently raise our voices, invoking God’s gift of peace in our world.” This language underscores the moral responsibility of religious leaders to advocate for harmony and reconciliation in a world still scarred by conflict.
The text of the declaration also acknowledges the ongoing human suffering caused by war and violence across numerous regions. It calls on those in political and social authority to exert every effort to bring an immediate end to these tragedies, highlighting the Church’s insistence on the ethical imperative to protect human life and dignity.
In reflecting on these responsibilities, both Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo emphasized that the search for full communion is rooted not in human diplomacy but in fidelity to the Lord’s prayer in the Gospel of John: “That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may be one in us, that the world may believe.” This invocation reinforces the spiritual foundation of their commitment and frames ecclesiastical unity as a testimony to the wider world.
Walk together “in love and truth,” say Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew
Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed their determination to continue walking together “in love and truth,” urging all the faithful—clergy, religious, and laity alike—to join in prayer and action for the fulfillment of this divine calling. They emphasized that the journey toward unity is not only a spiritual obligation but also a shared mission, inviting all Christians to cultivate mutual understanding, compassion, and commitment to the Gospel in their daily lives.
The Church leaders also highlighted the unifying power of the faith professed in the Nicene Creed, formulated 1,700 years ago. This ancient confession affirms that Jesus Christ is “true God from true God,” “of one substance with the Father,” who became incarnate for humanity’s salvation, suffered and rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. According to Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew, this shared acceptance of the Creed provides a foundation for addressing contemporary challenges with mutual respect and a spirit of genuine hope, reinforcing the enduring bond between the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Expressing gratitude that Christians this year celebrated Easter on the same day, the leaders described it as a gift of Divine Providence and emphasized their shared desire to continue efforts toward finding a permanent solution that allows the “Feast of Feasts” to be celebrated together annually. They called upon all Christians to pray that this goal may be guided by wisdom and spiritual insight, fostering greater unity and solidarity among believers worldwide.
Sixtieth anniversary of declaration of the two leaders
Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also highlighted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Joint Declaration by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, which led to the historic lifting of the excommunications of 1054. They expressed gratitude for this prophetic gesture, noting that it opened the way for dialogue grounded in “trust, esteem, and mutual love.” The leaders encouraged those who remain hesitant to engage in dialogue to listen attentively to the Holy Spirit, who calls Christians to offer the world a renewed witness of reconciliation and unity.
Reaffirming their support for the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, the Pope and Patriarch emphasized that, in its current phase, the commission is examining issues that have historically been considered divisive. They underscored the importance of continued theological reflection and collaborative engagement in overcoming longstanding differences and deepening mutual understanding between the two traditions.
The historic Joint Declaration was signed on Saturday in the Throne Room of the Patriarchal House, immediately following the Doxology in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George. On the same day, the Pope presided over a Mass for Catholics at the Volkswagen Arena, an indoor event venue in Istanbul, reinforcing the spirit of ecumenical fellowship and shared devotion that the visit symbolizes.
The Pope and the Patriarch will bless the faithful together
On Sunday, the feast day of Saint Andrew the First-Called, founder of the Church of Constantinople, a patriarchal and synodal divine service will be celebrated, presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and concelebrated by His Holiness Theodore of Alexandria. The service will mark the throne feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and is expected to be a significant occasion of ecumenical and spiritual reflection.
The ceremony will be attended by Pope Leo, hierarchs from both churches, representatives of other Christian denominations, diplomats, and officials. The Greek government will be represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos. At the conclusion of the service, both Church leaders will bless the faithful from the balcony of the Patriarchal House, offering a shared gesture of unity and spiritual guidance to all present.
Following the divine service, Pope Leo XIV will share a final lunch with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew before departing Constantinople by plane for Beirut, where he will continue his apostolic tour. This event underscores the Pope’s commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation among Christian communities throughout the region.
