Leo XIV receives Orthodox Delegation for Solemnity of San Pedro and San Pablo

Within the framework of the solemnity of San Pedro and San Pablo, which the Universal Church will celebrate this June 29, Pope Leo XIV today received the members of the Ecumenical Patriarchy delegation, at an audience held at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

The ecumenical patriarchy of Constantinople is the headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople, based in Istanbul (Türkiye). Ecumenical patriarchy is considered the first one in pairs (first among equals) among the patriarchs of the other churches of the Orthodox communion.

This year’s delegation is headed by the Metropolitan Emmanuel de Calcedonia, president of the Synod Commission of Ecumenical Patriarchy for Relations with the Catholic Church, accompanied by the reverendísimos parents Aetios and Ionymos.

Bartolomé is the current archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch since November 2, 1991. Traditionally, a delegation of the ecumenical patriarchy visits the Vatican on the occasion of the feast of San Pedro and San Pablo.

Similarly, a Vatican delegation usually visits Istanbul, the capital of the current Türkiye, every November 30 on the occasion of the celebration of its employer, San Andrés Apostle.

Restore the full visible communion between both churches

The Catholic Encyclopedia recalls that in 1054 “the most deplorable lawsuit” occurred, known as Schism of the East and Westseparating the vast majority of the eastern Christians of the Union with the Catholic Church, thus giving rise to the Orthodox Church.

Leo XIV said Saturday that his intention is to “persevere in the effort to restore the full visible communion between our churches”, an objective that, “he said,” can only be achieved “with the help of God, through a continuous commitment of respectful listening and fraternal dialogue.”

“Therefore, I am open to any suggestion in this regard, always in consultation with my bishops of the Catholic Church, who share with me, each in their own way, the responsibility of the full and visible unity of the Church,” said the Holy Father during the audience of this June 28.

In addition, he recalled that “after centuries of disagreements and misunderstandings”, an authentic dialogue between both churches was only possible thanks to the brave and visionary measures of Pope Paul VI and the Ecumenical patriarch attenate. “

“His venerable successors at the headquarters of Rome and Constantinople have continued with conviction the same path of reconciliation, even more strengthening our relationships,” added the Pope.

Leo XIV highlighted the “sincere testimony” that Patriarch Bartolomé has always expressed to the Catholic Church, especially demonstrated by participating in the funeral of Pope Francis and later in the opening mass of the new Bishop of Rome.

The Holy Father said that the traditional exchange of delegations “is a sign of the deep communion that already exists between us and a reflection of the Brotherhood Link that unites the apostles Peter and Andrés.”

Leo XIV deeply thanked his presence in Rome “on this solemn occasion.” He asked them to transmit their cordial greeting to Patriarch Bartolomé and the members of the Holy Synod, along with their gratitude for having sent the delegation again this year.

“That the intercession of the saints Pedro and Pablo, San Andrés and the Holy Mother of God, who live forever in the perfect communion of the Saints, accompanies us and sustains us in our commitment to the service of the Gospel. Thank you!”, He concluded.