Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew Unite in Rejecting Violence in the Name of God

Türkiye, November 30, 2025: Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I signed a Joint Declaration in Istanbul, reaffirming their shared commitment to the path towards full communion and firmly rejecting any use of religion to justify violence.

On the third day of his Apostolic Visit to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV travelled to the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul, where he joined Patriarch Bartholomew I for the solemn recitation of the Doxology and the signing of the Declaration. The text underscores their united stance against invoking religion to legitimise violence and their dedication to restoring full communion between their Churches.

“We reject any use of religion and the name of God to justify violence,” the Declaration states, emphasising the leaders’ resolve to invoke God’s gift of peace for the world.

The leaders highlight how conflict and violence continue to destroy lives globally. They appeal to civil and political authorities to take every possible step to end ongoing wars and call on people of goodwill to support peace efforts. Their meeting took place on the eve of the Feast of Saint Andrew, the First-Called Apostle and patron of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Opening their message with the words of the Psalmist, the Pope and the Patriarch express gratitude for the grace of a fraternal encounter rooted in ecclesial charity and fidelity to Christ.

A Call to Unity in the Gospel’s Truth

The Declaration recalls that the search for full communion is grounded not in diplomacy but in obedience to Christ’s prayer in the Gospel of John: “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe.” The two leaders affirm their determination to continue walking together “in love and truth,” inviting clergy, monastics, consecrated persons, and laypeople to pray and work for this goal.

Nicaea at 1700: A Shared Foundation

Marking the upcoming 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, the leaders describe the Council as a “providential event of unity,” noting its ongoing relevance through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They underline the shared Christian faith expressed in the Nicene Creed, including belief in Jesus Christ as “true God from true God.” This shared confession, they stress, equips Christians to face common challenges “with mutual respect and genuine hope.”

Continuing Discernment on a Common Easter

The Declaration notes gratitude that all Christians celebrated Easter on the same day this year—an event they describe as divine providence. They commit to continued discernment towards celebrating Easter together every year, praying for unity in “wisdom and spiritual understanding.”

Progress After the 1054 Rift

Recalling the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Joint Declaration that ended the exchange of excommunications, Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew give thanks for that historic gesture, which opened the way to renewed dialogue marked by “trust, esteem and mutual charity.” They urge those hesitant about dialogue to listen to the Holy Spirit’s call to renewed reconciliation.

Advancing Theological Dialogue

The leaders reaffirm support for the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue, encouraging cooperation in prayer, pastoral efforts, and joint initiatives. They invite the faithful to welcome the progress achieved so far and continue labouring for unity.

A Common Stand Against Religious Violence

The Declaration strongly condemns the misuse of religion. The leaders call on all people of goodwill to support peace, emphasising that interreligious dialogue is essential for coexistence. Marking the anniversary of Nostra Aetate, they encourage all to build a just world, resisting “indifference, desire for domination, greed for profit, and xenophobia.”

Hope in the Mystery of the Trinity

Despite global turmoil, the text expresses steadfast Christian hope. “God will not abandon humanity… By the Holy Spirit, we know and experience that God is with us,” they affirm. Entrusting especially those who suffer to God’s mercy, they pray that hearts may be strengthened “as they are knit together in love.”

Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew Unite in Rejecting Violence in the Name of God

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