Pat. Bartholomew Set to Welcome Pope Leo to Phanar this Weekend

Pat. Bartholomew and Pope Leo. Photo: Vatican News

ISTANBUL — An official release from the Ecumenical Patriarchate has announced that Pope Leo XIV will visit the Phanar this weekend for the Thronal Feast of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Pat. Bartholomew will welcome the Pope and his entourage at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

After an attempt to bring together the ancient Pentarchy (Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome), it is now official that the only primate of an ancient see present other than Pat. Bartholomew and Pope Leo will be Pat. Theodoros II of Alexandria. Pat. Theophilos III of Jerusalem never accepted the invitation, and — according to UOJ sources — Pat. John of Antioch initially intended to attend Pope Leo's visit but backed out on account of widespread displeasure with Constantinople amongst members of the Holy Synod.

After Pope Leo's arrival, upon entering the Patriarchal compound, he and Pat. Bartholomew will proceed to the Patriarchal Church for a Service of Doxology attended by Pat. Theodoros, hierarchs of both Churches, diplomats accredited to Turkey, and other dignitaries. A Joint Declaration will be signed in the Throne Room immediately following the service, accompanied by remarks from hierarchs and a private meeting between the two primates.

Pat. Theodoros will preside at Great Vespers on Saturday evening, while on Sunday, Nov. 30, Pat. Bartholomew will lead the Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with Pat. Theodoros. Pope Leo will attend the liturgy with his delegation, alongside representatives of the Hellenic government, diplomats, and invited guests. The two primates will exchange official addresses before offering a joint blessing from the balcony of the Patriarchal Residence.

Matins will begin at 7:30 a.m. Admission to both the Doxology and the Divine Liturgy will be granted only to holders of special invitations issued for the feast.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Vatican's official theme for Pope Leo's trip is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."

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