Francis on dialogue with Phanar: We need to move beyond academic debates

Pope Francis meets with delegates of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Photo: vaticannews

During a meeting on June 28, 2024, with delegates of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Pope Francis emphasized the necessity of joint efforts for peace and the path to full communion. This was reported by the Roman Catholic Church's website.

"Therefore, I support the work of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, which is addressing delicate historical and theological issues," he said.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church expressed his hope that "pastors and theologians involved in this process will move beyond purely academic disputes."

The Pontiff also hopes that researchers "will attune themselves to obediently listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying about the life of the Church, and that what has already been studied and agreed upon will find full implementation in our communities and places of formation".

Francis recalled his 2014 meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew in Jerusalem, noting that "modern history tragically shows us the necessity and urgency of joint prayer for peace in a world where armed conflicts continue and calls for peace are needed, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine."

The Pope invited the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to "support the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church with their prayers and presence, so that it may bring abundant spiritual fruits".

Mentioning the 2025 celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, the Pontiff said: "I hope that the memory of this very important event will strengthen our commitment to greater communion."

As the UOJ previously reported, the Pope called on Phanar for "joint witness of faith".

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