On Sunday morning (November 30, 2025), the Phanar became the site of a distinctive and historic encounter, as Pope Leon visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, bringing with him a resounding message of unity. The two church leaders participated in the Patriarchal and Synodical Divine Liturgy, and at the end jointly blessed the faithful from the balcony of the Patriarchal House. This moment was recorded as a milestone, marking the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leon: Images & video from the Patriarchate balcony
In detail, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized interfaith dialogue, stressed that past mistakes must not be repeated, and referenced Ukraine and the Middle East. Pope Leon underscored the need to commit to restoring unity while speaking about climate and artificial intelligence. The two church leaders highlighted three central themes that directly concern the global community during their speeches:
Easter as a sign of unity and dialogue. It was emphasized that a common Easter date constitutes a visible sign of unity and the ultimate goal of dialogue between the Churches. It was stressed that “Orthodox consultation” is required rather than “unilateral management,” as acceptance by the people is considered more essential than declarations by hierarchs. The historical experience of “hasty and forced unions from above” was cited, which collapsed, leading to the conclusion that similar mistakes must not be repeated. Climate and artificial intelligence. The second point highlighted humanity’s relationship with nature, referencing the pandemic that distanced society from the natural environment. Simultaneously, the rapid and uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence was noted. The Pope’s related appeal was characterized as “timely,” as it concerns everyone, regardless of faith or religious stance.
Wars and displacement of Christian populations. The third point included reference to ongoing conflicts both to the north (Ukraine) and south (Gaza, Syria, Middle East), which was characterized as the “cradle of Christianity.” It was emphasized that Christian populations are indigenous to the region and, as noted, “cannot be exiled from their homeland.” The need to protect these communities was highlighted as an issue with global dimensions. The Ecumenical Patriarchate honored the throne feast on the day of Saint Andrew the First-Called, founder of the Church of Constantinople. The patriarchal and synodical divine liturgy was celebrated with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presiding and the Patriarch of Alexandria Theodore concelebrating, in the presence of Pope Leon XIV.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church arrived at the Phanar around 10:30 local time (9:30 Greek time). Present in the patriarchal church of Saint George were also hierarchs from both churches, representatives of other Christian denominations, diplomats, other officials and faithful. The Greek government was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Yannis Loverdos. On Sunday afternoon, Pope Leon XIV, after previously attending lunch with the Ecumenical Patriarch, will depart by air from Constantinople to Beirut, where he will continue the second leg of his apostolic tour.
At the Armenian Apostolic Church Patriarchate
Earlier this morning, the Pope visited the Armenian Apostolic Church Patriarchate in Constantinople. “This visit gives me the opportunity to thank God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often amid tragic circumstances,” the Pope said in his brief address. He further emphasized that “on this 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, my visit offers the opportunity to honor the Nicene Creed. We must draw from this common apostolic faith in order to regain the unity that existed in the early centuries between the Church of Rome and the ancient Eastern Churches.”
For his part, the Armenian Patriarch Sahag Masalian said in his own address that “the Armenian people do not forget the Popes who raised their voices in our difficult times, who stood by Christian communities in danger and who defended the truth when the world hesitated.”
He added that today, Christians throughout the Middle East and beyond face difficulties, migration and population decline. “In such times, unity becomes essential. Here in Turkey, our Christian communities live as a small flock, but one that is more united with mutual respect. The Armenian Apostolic Church firmly believes that Christian division wounds the Body of Christ, but we trust that the Holy Spirit heals these wounds and brings the Churches closer together, step by step,” said the Armenian Patriarch.
