Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke in New York at the Templeton Prize ceremony honoring Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing the Patriarch’s global influence and pioneering contribution to environmental consciousness.
Mr. Mitsotakis characterized the award as “great joy and honor” and noted that the Patriarch’s selection places him alongside personalities like Mother Teresa, who was the first recipient of the prize in 1973. “It is not difficult to understand the respect that the Ecumenical Patriarch and his work enjoy” he stated.
He emphasized that the Patriarch combines “deep faith” with “substantial appreciation of science, research and the great eternal questions“, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between religion, philosophy and science. He also referenced his long personal acquaintance with Bartholomew, saying “We thank you, Your All Holiness, for always providing exceptional moral clarity and guidance at times when things in the world seem to be spiraling out of control“.
The Prime Minister particularly praised the Patriarch’s ecological initiatives, noting that he was among the first religious leaders to incorporate the environmental dimension into their discourse. “You have defined ecology not only as a practical, necessary solution, but also as a spiritual responsibility. You have rightfully earned the title ‘Green Patriarch’” he noted.
He mentioned that his intervention is more critical than ever in an era when the climate crisis is becoming a tangible reality, while science denial persists. “Your wise words are more necessary than ever“. Mr. Mitsotakis noted that Bartholomew’s initiatives have changed consciousness, as he spoke about the environment “with a power, a persuasiveness that has converted many to your cause” he remarked.
Full Prime Minister’s speech:
“Your All Holiness, dear members of the Templeton philanthropic organizations, dear Mr. Vice President, distinguished guests,
It is truly a great joy and honor for me to be among you tonight. The Vice President referred extensively to the work of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as to his character that underlies this work.
Today, however, we will speak about something much more specific: the Patriarch’s exceptionally important initiatives for environmental protection. I am truly pleased that the John Templeton Foundation, the Templeton World Charity Foundation and the Templeton Religion Trust chose this moment to recognize his work by awarding him the 2025 Templeton Prize.
And if one considers that the first recipient of the Templeton Prize in 1973 was Mother Teresa, then it is not difficult to understand the respect that the Ecumenical Patriarch and his work enjoy. The Templeton Foundations have, of course, a very long history of honoring spiritual work, promoting religious understanding and spiritual humility, as well as recognizing the importance of honest discussion around science, philosophy, culture and theology.
The Ecumenical Patriarch represents a great legacy left to us by the Greek Orthodox faith. On one hand, deep faith and, on the other, a deep understanding of the ancient Greek and Byzantine world, including substantial and very deep appreciation of science, research and the great eternal questions surrounding human existence: what do we believe in? What is the role of religion, philosophy, science? Does faith in religion hinder or help faith in science?
I have had the honor of knowing His All Holiness since 1992, meaning I knew him five years earlier than you, dear Mr. Vice President, when I was still very young. All these years I have had the blessing of seeking his advice and guidance, especially since becoming Prime Minister.
We thank you, Your All Holiness, for always providing exceptional moral clarity and guidance at times when things in the world seem to be spiraling out of control. You have truly added your own personal mark to the modern version of the legacy you represent.
You were among the first, if not the first spiritual leader internationally, to emphasize the need for a real environmental dimension in our way of thinking. You recognized the signs very early, before you wrote your book, which so much influenced me to take climate change seriously.
Dear Mr. Vice President, you highlighted the worrying environmental degradation caused not only by climate change but also by the consumerism that characterizes modern society.
You have defined ecology not only as a practical, necessary solution, but also as a spiritual responsibility. You have rightfully earned the title “Green Patriarch“. You have loudly proclaimed your position on the supremacy of spiritual values in shaping environmental ethics. You have been a pioneer of environmental awareness in practice.
You have promoted this awareness tirelessly, through countless symposiums, events, speaking about the challenges we face, with a language different from what we usually use, but with a power, a persuasiveness that I believe has converted many to your cause.
I believe that in an era when climate reality is truly hitting us -we need only look at what is happening in our country, in Greece, fires, floods, continuous challenges in managing the changing environment-, in an era when there are still people who question the science behind climate change, your wise words are more necessary than ever
It is a great honor to be with you today, to introduce and congratulate you for this award, which you absolutely deserve. I wish you always have this strength, the inner strength, to speak about these issues in the clear way you always have
And again, my warmest congratulations for this award, Your All Holiness.”
