Pope Leo, accompanied by his entourage, traveled at noon to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was welcomed at the entrance of the patriarchal church of Saint George by His Holiness Bartholomew. The two primates, after lighting a candle together, venerated the holy icon together in the church, where the Doxology was chanted. The presence of the head of the Roman Catholic Church at the Ecumenical Patriarchate represents a historic moment with special symbolism for Christian unity.
“Our love brought us to your enthronement ceremony at the Vatican and led us here to the sacred center of Christianity,” declared Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, addressing Pope Leo. “The message of unity between our two churches,” said the Patriarch, “we consider more important than ever.” He then referred to the pilgrimage to Nicaea, commemorating the anniversary of the Council, which had been prepared since the time of Pope Francis. “We are convinced that his soul and spirit accompany us,” emphasized the Ecumenical Patriarch.
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate welcomes you with great joy and embraces you with the same spirit that received your predecessors, who contributed so much to the rapprochement of our two churches. It is our responsibility to maintain the spirit of unity. We embrace you fraternally in Christ.”
“Beloved brother in Christ,” Pope Leo responded, adding: “I rejoice to share prayer with you. I was moved entering the church, I felt I was walking in the footsteps of my predecessor. I am pleased to have the opportunity to know some of my predecessors and had the chance to chart a common course with them on church matters. We experienced exceptional moments because we celebrated together with our brothers the anniversary of 1,700 years since the first holy synod. Inspired by Jesus’s prayer that we be united, we undertake this work with firm commitment. We will celebrate the memory of Saint Andrew. The union and unity of churches is important.”
For his part, Pope Leo, after referring to what happened yesterday in Nicaea, emphasized encouragement for the path toward full communion. Subsequently, the ceremony for signing the Joint Declaration is scheduled to take place in the Throne Hall of the Patriarchal House. After signing the declaration, the presentation of hierarchs from both sides and other members of the papal entourage will follow, before the two primates withdraw for their private meeting in the patriarchal office. The first day’s program at the Phanar will conclude with Great Vespers, presided over by Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria.
