Pope says he wants to reestablish “full communion” with Constantinople

Pope Leo XIV with a delegation of the Patriarchate of Constantinople at the Vatican. Photo: Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV has said he intends to continue efforts to restore “full visible communion” with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. He made the statement on June 28 at the Vatican during a meeting with an official delegation of the Phanar, which had arrived in Rome for the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Catholic World Report wrote.

Addressing the delegation, headed by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon (Adamakis), the pontiff stressed that his goal is “to persevere in the effort to reestablish full visible communion between our Churches.” He also said he was open to proposals from the Patriarchate of Constantinople on further developing the dialogue.

Pope Leo said that “after centuries of disagreements and misunderstanding,” genuine dialogue between the two Churches became possible only thanks to the “courageous and farsighted steps” taken by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras.

The head of the RCC emphasized the “witness of sincere closeness” that Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has always shown toward the Catholic Church, especially through his attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis and later at the inaugural Mass of the new Bishop of Rome.

The following day, representatives of the Phanar attended a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. After the service, Pope Leo XIV and Metropolitan Emmanuel descended together to the tomb of the Apostle Peter, where they prayed jointly.

The pontiff also expressed hope that all Christian denominations would prepare together for the year 2033.

“May Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Andrew and the holy Mother of God, who live eternally in the perfect communion of the saints, accompany and sustain us in our efforts in the service of the Gospel. Thank you!” the head of the Roman Catholic Church said.

As the UOJ reported, the Pope earlier prayed with an Anglican bishopess and called Christians to unity.

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