Jubilee 2033: Rift between Moscow and Constantinople patriarchates threatens ecumenical progress
Pope Leo XIV plans to travel to Jerusalem in 2033 for the Jubilee of Redemption, marking 2,000 years since the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. The main impediment to achieving full Christian unity during the Jubilee is the ongoing rift between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Expert Father Frans Bouwen notes that Moscow currently boycotts ecumenical meetings where Constantinople is present. The Vatican announced the future ecumenical event following a meeting in Turkey attended by various Christian communions, though the Russian Orthodox representatives were absent.
24 days ago
Pope Leo XIV aims to lead a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2033, marking the 2,000th anniversary of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection.1
This event seeks to advance full Christian unity through ecumenical participation.1
The primary barrier is the rift between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.1
Moscow refuses ecumenical gatherings where Constantinople participates, affecting aligned churches.1
The schism intensified in 2018 when Patriarch Bartholomew I granted autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, severing ties from Moscow.1
Patriarch Kirill views this as interference, compounded by his support for Russia's Ukraine invasion; the issue is canonical and geopolitical, tied to Russia's historical claims on Kyiv.1
In November 2025, Pope Leo XIV joined Patriarch Bartholomew I in Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.1
A follow-up Istanbul meeting excluded Russian Orthodox, as Constantinople invited only ancient patriarchates (Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem).1
Fr. Frans Bouwen, a Jerusalem-based ecumenism expert, stresses inclusive preparations via synodal working groups at local and global levels.1
He advocates multi-stage planning, early involvement of Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox patriarch, and collaborations in teaching or sacraments.1
Bouwen urges faith in the Holy Spirit for discernment and highlights Jerusalem's symbolic role, echoing St. Paul VI's 1964 pilgrimage and meeting with Patriarch Athenagoras.1
The Jubilee links Nicaea's creed to Christ's redemptive events, potentially fostering unity if all churches engage.1
Assess Vatican’s role in resolving Moscow‑Constantinople schism
The schism between the Patriarchate of Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople stems from longstanding jurisdictional disputes, particularly over Ukraine, where the Orthodox Metropolitanate of Kiev was transferred from Constantinople to Moscow in 1686—a move Constantinople has never recognized. This historical grievance resurfaced prominently in 2018 when Constantinople granted autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, leading Moscow to sever eucharistic communion. Internal Orthodox tensions, such as those evident at the Ravenna meeting where Moscow delegates walked out over the inclusion of an Estonian Apostolic Church delegate (established by Constantinople on territory claimed by Moscow), underscore the challenges of authority and primacy within Orthodoxy itself. These dynamics pit regional patriarchates against each other, complicating any external mediation.[2†L last para]
The Catholic Church, through the Vatican, has consistently prioritized dialogue with the Orthodox world as a path to full communion, without claiming a juridical role in resolving intra-Orthodox disputes. This approach traces back to key moments like the 1965 mutual lifting of excommunications between Rome and Constantinople, symbolizing a commitment to healing the East-West schism of 1054. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI fostered fraternal exchanges, including reciprocal delegations for feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Andrew, and theological dialogues on primacy and ecclesiology. The Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue, involving Orthodox Churches in communion with Constantinople, has examined the Bishop of Rome's role in the first millennium— a study extending to later periods—highlighting convergences amid ongoing challenges.
The Vatican views Eastern Catholic Churches not as obstacles but as bridges in ecumenism, appreciating shared richness while respecting Orthodox traditions and autonomy. Initiatives like Pro Oriente have facilitated unofficial consultations on Christology, ecclesiology, and primacy between Catholic and Orthodox theologians, laying groundwork for official dialogues. This "dialogue of truth nourished by the dialogue of charity" emphasizes growing partial communion toward fullness.
Pope Leo XIV has continued this trajectory, emphasizing shared apostolic roots and hope amid division. In 2025, he addressed an Orthodox-Catholic ecumenical pilgrimage from the United States, linking visits to the tombs of Peter, Paul, and Andrew in Rome and Constantinople to the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea. He highlighted the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed as common patrimony and the synchronized Easter calendars as signs of unity, urging pilgrims to convey "an embrace of peace" to Patriarch Bartholomew. This pilgrimage, involving Metropolitan Elpidophoros (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under Constantinople) and Cardinal Tobin, reflects ongoing collaboration.
His apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon for the Nicaea anniversary further promoted ecumenical commemoration, invoking hope in the Risen Christ against violence and despair. Earlier papal precedents, like John Paul II's appreciation of Bartholomew's participation in events honoring Bl. John XXIII in Turkey, illustrate sustained Vatican-Constantinople ties involving other Orthodox leaders.
While the Vatican actively engages Constantinople—its primary Orthodox interlocutor—no sources indicate direct intervention in the Moscow-Constantinople schism. Dialogues focus on Catholic-Orthodox reconciliation, not arbitrating Orthodox autocephaly disputes. Moscow's defensive posture toward the West and Constantinople's ecumenical leadership create a complex landscape where Vatican primacy is itself contested. The Holy See promotes prayer, mutual respect, and theological convergence but refrains from unilateral mediation, aligning with Vatican II's vision of unity through love and shared Baptism/Eucharist. Sources provide historical and ecumenical context but lack specifics on Vatican-brokered resolutions for this 2018 rift, suggesting its role remains supportive rather than decisive.
In summary, the Vatican's role is one of principled ecumenism: fostering hope-filled dialogue, celebrating common heritage like Nicaea, and nurturing ties especially with Constantinople, while respecting Orthodox autonomy. This indirect approach witnesses to Christian unity without overstepping canonical boundaries, inviting all parties toward deeper communion rooted in the Gospel.