Pat. Bartholomew: Historic Weight of Pope Leo’s Visit is ‘Truly Unparalleled’

Pat. Bartholomew. Photo: Nikos Papachristou

ISTANBUL — Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople, on Dec. 6, 2025, presided over the Divine Liturgy for the feast of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, at the church dedicated to the Wonderworker in the Cibali neighborhood, which serves the city’s Ukrainian community. In his homily, the Patriarch reflected on the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Phanar.

“Following this tradition, we chose this sacred church as the place to assess the significance of that visit. Every visit of the Bishop of Rome to the See of the Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome is, in itself, a momentous event," he was quoted as saying by the Orthodox Times.

“When, moreover, it concerns the first journey of the new Pope outside Italy, and when it takes place with the presence and participation of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, together with official representatives of the other two Eastern Patriarchs, Antioch and Jerusalem, its historical weight becomes truly unparalleled," he continued.

Pat. Theophilos III of Jerusalem had effectively ignored the invitation to the event, and Pat. John X of Antioch chose not to attend after discussion with his Synod. Furthermore, representatives of several Protestant churches were in attendance, as well, making the event much more than a simple connection between ancient centers of Christianity.

“We rejoice deeply, for the new Pope, just like his immediate predecessors, holds the same sincere intention concerning the great question of the unity of all… Together with him, we shall move forward… ‘that all may be one,’ to the glory of our heavenly Father," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.

Pat. Bartholomew also recalled the meeting between Pope Paul VI and Pat. Athenagoras — which took place 60 years ago — calling it an event that “abolished the symbol of the schism and raised love as the sign of reconciliation between the two sister Churches.”

The day before, on Dec. 5, 2025, Pat. Bartholomew had led Great Vespers at the Church of St. Nicholas in Hypsomathia, where he spoke about the life and witness of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, a participant in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea — once again pointing to the 1700th anniversary which was recently commemorated.

“It was a historic event, a tangible expression of the unity of Christians… we sent a resounding message to the ends of the earth, confessing together the same Creed of Nicaea–Constantinople,” he said.

Previously, UOJ reported that Pat. Bartholomew and Pope Leo prayed a doxology and signed a joint declaration.

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