Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew agree to meet in Turkey

Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Athens News Agency

On May 19, 2025, Pope Leo met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Vatican, according to the Athens News Agency.

The two church leaders expressed their shared commitment to continuing the close relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, a relationship that had deepened during the papacy of Pope Francis.

They agreed to hold a joint meeting dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, to take place in Iznik, Turkey, the site of ancient Nicaea. The event is expected to be scheduled for late November 2025, coinciding with Pope Leo’s anticipated visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the Feast of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called.

Previously, Patriarch Bartholomew had expressed hope that the new pope would show interest in celebrating a common date for Easter.

Read also

"KyivPride" organizers announced dates for holding LGBT march in capital

Activists plan to hold mass events in June 2026.

Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy

The Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools, Archbishop Sylvester, tonsured four students of the academy and seminary into monasticism.

No language law violations found at Holosiiv Monastery school

The inspection found no evidence of Russian-language instruction in the school that operated on the grounds of the Holosiiv Monastery.

Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source

In Prague, preparations have begun to terminate lease agreements concluded with Orthodox church communities.

Filaret hospitalized

The UOC-KP reported a deterioration in the condition of their leader.

Rome's basilica bust re-attributed to Michelangelo

A marble bust that has stood ​for centuries in one of Rome’s basilicas has been re-attributed to Michelangelo after nearly 200 years in ‌obscurity.