Pope Leo Highlights Shared Mission of Peace and Unity at Divine Liturgy in Istanbul

Istanbul, November 30, 2025: Pope Leo XIV attended the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in Istanbul on Sunday, 30 November, at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. The visit highlighted the shared bonds between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches and reaffirmed ongoing efforts toward achieving full communion.

Over 400 members of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, along with members of the Episcopate, formed the congregation for the celebration marking the patronal feast of the Apostle Andrew.

In his address at the celebration, Pope Leo described the visit as a pilgrimage to the historic sites of early Christianity, noting that it culminated in the Divine Liturgy on the feast of Saint Andrew. He reflected on the significance of the ecumenical prayer gathering, emphasising how it brings together Church leaders and representatives of Christian communities. He noted that the faith professed in the Nicene–Constantinopolitan Creed establishes “real communion” and enables believers to recognise one another as brothers and sisters.

Acknowledging lingering misunderstandings and past conflicts, the Pope said the Churches must persist in striving for unity, encouraging all to “consider each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and to love one another accordingly.”

Patriarch Bartholomew, in his homily, expressed joy for the occasion and warmly welcomed Pope Leo. He reflected on the spiritual brotherhood between the Churches and stressed the shared responsibility to proclaim the message of salvation. He described the Pope’s visit as an expression of deep commitment to the quest for Christian unity and the restoration of full communion.

Both leaders recalled the landmark 1964 meeting between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, which lifted the mutual excommunications of 1054 and inaugurated a new path of reconciliation, peace, and dialogue.

The Pope and the Patriarch reiterated a common mission to promote justice, peace, charity, and mercy. They highlighted the need for collaboration in addressing conflicts around the world, calling Catholics and Orthodox alike to act as peacemakers. Pope Leo stressed that peace is ultimately a gift from God, nurtured through prayer, penance, and contemplation.

He also noted the pressing ecological crisis and emphasised the need for spiritual and communal conversion to safeguard creation—an area strongly advocated by Patriarch Bartholomew. Both leaders called for a renewed mindset in caring for the environment, underscoring the shared responsibility entrusted by God.

Pope Leo further pointed to the opportunities and challenges posed by new technologies, especially in communications, urging that such advancements should serve integral human development and remain accessible to all.

Patriarch Bartholomew conveyed his gratitude for the Pope’s presence, invoking the intercession of the Apostles Andrew and Peter. In response, Pope Leo offered prayers for the Patriarch’s health and expressed heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome. He entrusted the faithful to the intercession of the saints and prayed for God’s abundant blessings on all present.

Pope Leo Highlights Shared Mission of Peace and Unity at Divine Liturgy in Istanbul

Latest News