Patr. John X to Meet Pope Leo XIV at Vatican

ROME, ITALY — Patr. John X Yazigi of Antioch and All the East is scheduled to visit the Vatican this week for meetings with Pope Leo XIV and senior Vatican officials. The September 9 announcement from the Patriarchate of Antioch said the visit will address Christian concerns and challenges facing the Middle East.

During the visit, Patr. John X is expected to meet Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. His schedule also includes a meeting with representatives of the Community of Sant’Egidio.

The Patriarchate described the visit as part of longstanding relations between Antioch and Rome, which have developed through dialogue, reciprocal visits, and regular ecclesiastical contacts. Patr. John X has maintained relations with the Vatican since his election, including meetings with Pope Francis and continued contacts with Pope Leo XIV.

The Patriarchate recalled the Pope’s December 2025 visit to Lebanon, when Patr. John X emphasized the historical connection between the two ancient Apostolic Sees. Welcoming the Pope, the Patriarch said, “The Church of Antioch . . . embraces, through your gracious presence, the Church of Rome.” He also recalled Antioch’s association with the Apostle Peter and its place as the city where the disciples were first called Christians.

The two sides have also addressed the situation of Christians and other communities affected by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship in the Middle East. The Patriarchate said the 2013 abduction of Metr. Paul Yazigi and Abp. Youhanna Ibrahim of Aleppo remains a painful issue. It added that the latest visit is expected to provide another opportunity for dialogue concerning Christian unity, peace, human dignity, and the future of the region.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patriarchs renewed their appeal for the missing Aleppo bishops.