Orthodox and Catholic Ecumenists Announce 'Progress' on Papal Infallibility

Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate

RETHYMNO — From September 8 to 12, 2025, the Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church convened in Rethymno, Crete.

Co-chaired by Cardinal Kurt Koch and Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, the meeting was hosted by Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos.

The Committee reviewed two draft texts, one on the filioque and the other on papal infallibility. It claims that progress was made in revising the latter draft, with a new drafting committee formed to finalize changes for review in 2026.

The Committee met Archbishop Eugenios II of Crete and visited local parishes and monasteries. They acknowledged the passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, expressing support for ongoing dialogue.

The Committee also noted plans for a potential meeting between Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 2025. Patriarch Bartholomew had made similar plans to meet with Pope Francis before the latter's death.

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