Pilgrims Visit Pope Francis' Tomb, Meet Patr. Bartholomew at Phanar

Pictured, from left to right: Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Photo: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

ISTANBUL — As part of the “From Rome to New Rome” pilgrimage, Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims deepened their spiritual journey with prayers, historical encounters, and ecumenical dialogue.

During their last day in Rome, the group went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where they visited the tomb of Pope Francis, where Archbishop Elpidophoros and the pilgrims sang "Memory Eternal."

Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Archbishop Elpidophoros are pictured at the tomb of Pope Francis. Photo: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

Later, a prayer service which was led by Archbishop Elpidophoros was held. Centered on the Paschal mystery - the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ - the prayer emphasized humility as the path to Christian unity.

In his homily, Elpidophoros declared, “If Christ was obedient even unto death, then we, too, must be obedient to love - especially the love that bridges our differences, heals our wounds, and binds us together in His body."

Later, pilgrims visited prominent Roman landmarks including the Colosseum, where a prayer was offered in remembrance of all lives lost under the Roman Empire. The brutal history of early Christian martyrdom inspired reflection on enduring faith in the face of persecution.

Crossing into Turkey, the pilgrimage’s second phase began at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. The faithful attended the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George, where Archbishop Elpidophoros presided from the throne.

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople greeted the pilgrims warmly, expressing hope that their visit would renew their faith and reaffirm the commitment to Orthodox-Catholic dialogue. He also condemned recent violence in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and expressing solidarity with all Christian victims.

A private audience followed, during which Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros, and Cardinal Joseph Tobin exchanged gifts. Cardinal Tobin described the journey as “a dialogue of love,” echoing the spirit of reconciliation seen in the historic meeting between Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI.

The group also explored the sacred treasures of St. George Church, including relics of saints and a segment of the column where Christ was scourged. They then visited the Chora Church (now Kariye Mosque), renowned for its breathtaking 14th-century mosaics and frescoes - particularly the iconic Anastasis image depicting Christ’s triumph over death.

Previously, UOJ reported that Pope Leo XIV received His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, and fifty Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims in a private audience last Thursday morning at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

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