Pope Leo XIV Reaffirms Commitment to Unity with Orthodox Church
Calls for “full visible communion” during Vatican audience with Constantinople delegation.
VATICAN CITY — During a June 28 audience with a delegation from the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Pope Leo XIV renewed his commitment to reestablishing “full visible communion” between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Notably, Pope Leo said that he is “open to any suggestions” from the East in this regard.
The meeting, held at the Apostolic Palace on the eve of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, emphasized mutual respect, dialogue, and a “shared apostolic heritage,” according to reporting from Catholic News Agency.
The delegation, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, represented Patriarch Bartholomew, continuing the long-standing tradition of reciprocal visits between Rome and Constantinople for major feast days. The pope praised the “courageous and farsighted” steps of past leaders – Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras – for initiating dialogue that has grown stronger over the decades.
“Our journey toward unity requires God’s help and a commitment to respectful listening and fraternal dialogue,” the pope said. He acknowledged the enduring bond between the Churches and reflected on Patriarch Bartholomew’s gestures of solidarity, including his participation in Pope Francis’ funeral and the inaugural Mass of the current pontificate.
Pope Leo concluded by entrusting the ongoing efforts for unity to the intercession of Sts. Peter, Paul, Andrew, and the Mother of God, and sent warm greetings to Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Synod.
Previously, UOJ reported that a delegation from Constantinople had visited the Vatican in honor of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
