Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople at the Vatican on June 28, 2025. The Pope expressed his desire to reestablish full visible communion between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. This initiative involves dialogue and theological discussions to address historical divisions and doctrinal disagreements. The meeting occurred in the context of the celebration of Sts. Peter and Paul. The delegation was led by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon.
7 days ago
Pope Leo XIV is actively pursuing the reestablishment of "full visible communion" between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church 1 2. This initiative aims to heal a centuries-old division and foster unity between the two Christian traditions 1.
The division between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches dates back to 1054, known as the Eastern Schism 1 2. This "most deplorable quarrel" resulted in the separation of the majority of Eastern Christians from the Catholic Church, leading to the formation of the Orthodox Church 1.
On June 28, 2025, Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople at the Vatican 1 2. The delegation was led by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon 1. During the audience, the Pope expressed his commitment to "persevere in the effort to reestablish full visible communion between our Churches" 1 2. He emphasized that this goal can only be achieved through "respectful listening and fraternal dialogue" 1 2.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the work of his predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, who initiated authentic dialogue between the two Churches 1 2. He also recognized the "witness of sincere closeness" from Patriarch Bartholomew, demonstrated through his participation in significant events within the Catholic Church 1 2. The Pope noted that successive leaders in Rome and Constantinople have strengthened relations 1.
The exchange of delegations between the Vatican and Istanbul is a traditional practice, with the Vatican visiting Istanbul on November 30 for the feast day of St. Andrew, the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s patron saint 1 2. Pope Leo XIV stated that these exchanges are "a sign of the profound communion already existing between us, and a reflection of the fraternal bond that united the Apostles Peter and Andrew" 1 2. He expressed gratitude for the delegation's presence in Rome, viewing it as a positive step towards unity 1 2.
The nature of Church unity is divinely willed.
The unity of the Church is indeed divinely willed, rooted in the very nature of God and expressed through the communion of the Holy Trinity . This unity is not merely a human construct but a participation in the divine life, offered to humanity through faith and the sacraments .
The supreme model of Christian unity is the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons united in one Godhead . This Trinitarian unity serves as the archetype for the Church's unity :
Jesus Christ Himself prayed for the unity of His followers, desiring that they may be one as He and the Father are one . This unity is not just for its own sake but is directed towards the world, so that the world may believe that the Father sent the Son .
The unity of the Church is expressed through:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in fostering Church unity :
Despite the divinely willed unity, divisions have occurred among Christians, contradicting Christ's explicit will . Ecumenism is the commitment to work towards full communion with all believers, recognizing the Trinitarian foundations of communion . Catholics are called to live inner unity, fostering a "spirituality of communion" that overcomes selfishness and promotes mutual love .
The unity of the Church is not merely a human aspiration but a divine gift, rooted in the communion of the Trinity and realized through faith, sacraments, and the Holy Spirit. Despite historical divisions, the Church strives to fulfill Christ's prayer "that they may all be one," bearing witness to God's love in a divided world.