Pope calls on Orthodox Christians to "disarm hearts" for the sake of unity

The audience of representatives of Ancient Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Vatican on February 5, 2026. Photo: @VATICAN MEDIA

On February 5, 2026, Pope Leo XIV met with representatives of the Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Malankara, and Syriac Orthodox Churches in the Vatican. As reported by Vatican News, they arrived in Rome as part of a familiarization visit organized by the Department for Promoting Christian Unity.

During the audience, the pontiff addressed the topic of pan-Christian unity, declaring the necessity of internal change and overcoming mutual alienation.

Developing the idea of the diversity of Christian traditions, the pontiff noted that the historical and cultural differences of churches form a common heritage but require constant dialogue and cooperation.

Pope Leo XIV paid special attention to the theme of so-called "internal disarmament," calling on believers to abandon prejudices and the desire for self-justification. In this regard, he quoted the words of Constantinople Patriarch Athenagoras, one of the symbols of the ecumenical movement of the 20th century, emphasizing that the path to unity lies through man's internal spiritual struggle with himself.

“We should continue to support one another," the pontiff said, "so that we may grow in our shared faith in Christ, who is the ultimate source of our peace,” noting that this growth requires learning how to “disarm ourselves.”

Pope Leo therefore observed that “when we remove the prejudices we carry within ourselves and disarm our hearts, we grow in charity, work more closely together, and strengthen our bonds of unity in Christ,” thus making Christian unity become “a leaven for peace on earth and for the reconciliation of all.”

As the UOJ reported, Pope Leo said to Phanar delegates: Our goal is fullness of communion.

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