Pope Highlights Christian Communion as an Exchange of God-Given Gifts

Istanbul, December 1, 2025: Pope Leo XIV underscored the importance of Christian unity as an exchange of God-given gifts rather than a relationship marked by domination, during prayer at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul on the final day of his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye.

Beginning his day at the Cathedral, the Pope extended his greetings to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and to the Armenian Apostolic community in Türkiye. He thanked God for the “courageous Christian witness” shown by Armenians throughout history, often under tragic circumstances.

Pope Leo expressed his gratitude for the deepening fraternal relationship between the Apostolic Armenian Church and the Catholic Church. He recalled that the first joint declaration between a Pope and an Oriental Orthodox Patriarch was signed in May 1970 by Pope Paul VI and Catholicos Vasken I, noting that the “dialogue of charity” between the Churches has grown since then.

Marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the Pope said his visit reminded him of the unity that once prevailed between East and West in the early Church. He stressed that full communion today must reflect the early Church’s experience: “a communion which does not imply absorption or domination, but rather an exchange of the gifts received by our Churches from the Holy Spirit for the glory of God the Father and the edification of the body of Christ.”

He voiced hope that the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches would soon resume its work towards achieving full communion.

Pope Leo also highlighted the legacy of the 12th-century Armenian Catholicos St Nerses IV Shnorhali, praising his efforts to reconcile divided Churches in fulfilment of Christ’s prayer for unity. “May the example of Saint Nerses inspire us and his prayer strengthen us on the path to full communion,” he said.

In concluding his address, he thanked Armenian Patriarch Sahak II for the warm welcome at the Patriarchal Cathedral, adding, “May we receive this gift from above with open hearts, so that we may become ever more convincing witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and better servants of the mission of the one Church of Christ.”

Warm Welcome from Armenian Faithful

As Pope Leo processed into the Cathedral with Patriarch Sahak II and clergy, children lined the aisle while a choir sang and incense filled the air. A man could be seen ringing the Cathedral’s bells from a window above the entrance, adding to the atmosphere of celebration.

Among the faithful, one woman wiped away tears as the Pope passed. Children proudly displayed scarves featuring the papal visit’s logo.

Dr. Drtad Uzunyan, Archpriest and member of the religious council, noted the importance of the visit: “We are the largest Christian community in Türkiye, so to welcome the Pope in our Church is very significant for us.” He expressed hope that the visit would strengthen ecumenical relations: “It is already very good, but I hope it will increase in the future.”

He also recalled that Pope Leo XIV is the fourth Pope to visit the Cathedral, following Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. Pope Francis also met the Armenian Patriarch in 2014 while the Catholicos was hospitalised in Istanbul.

“So Pope Leo is the fourth Pope in the Cathedral but fifth Pope with the Armenian community,” Archpriest Uzunyan said with a smile.

Pope Highlights Christian Communion as an Exchange of God-Given Gifts

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