Pope Leo’s final meeting in Turkey was dedicated to the Orthodox community on one of its most important days: St. Andrew’s Day.
The patriarch is the successor of the apostle who was Saint Peter’s brother. Hence why this meeting between the two Church leaders was filled with symbolism.
The patriarch acknowledged that there were unresolved theological issues between the two churches that prevented full communion. But at the same time, he recognized the importance of Christian leaders raising their voices for peace during this period, despite that separation.
BARTHOLOMEW I OF CONSTANTINOPLE
We cannot be complicit in the bloodshed taking place in Ukraine and other parts of the world and remain silent in the face of the exodus of Christians from the cradle of Christianity or be indifferent to the injustices suffered by the “least of the brothers” of our Lord (Matt. 25:31-46).
The Pope, for his part, made a statement that he had not expressed so forcefully until now: declaring what one of the priorities of his pontificate is.
POPE LEO
For my part, in continuity with the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and my predecessors, I wish to confirm that, while respecting legitimate differences, the pursuit of full communion among all those baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, is one of the priorities of the Catholic Church.
It's been assumed that this is one of a pope’s priorities. However, up until now, no such statement has ever been made.
At the end of the liturgical ceremony, the two leaders went out onto the balcony to give a blessing to those present.
JRB
Trans. CRT
