Cardinal Kurt Koch met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem

On the evening of Thursday, February 12, 2026 (New Style), a significant meeting took place in Jerusalem between Cardinal Kurt Koch, Chairman of the Catholic Church’s Commission for Dialogue with the Orthodox Churches, and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. The conversation touched on issues aimed at strengthening common Christian unity and witness.

According to the Greek publication Romfea.gr, Cardinal Koch arrived in Jerusalem accompanied by a delegation that also included the Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem, the Venerable Adolfo Tito Yilana. The reception took place at the residence of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where both sides discussed ways to further cooperation and mutual understanding between the Eastern and Western Churches.

The visit included the traditional exchange of commemorative gifts. Cardinal Koch presented Patriarch Theophilos III with a medal minted by the Roman Catholic Church to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea. In response, His Beatitude presented the Cardinal with a medal issued by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for the 2000th anniversary of Christianity, and also presented a beautiful silver-plated icon of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

This meeting underscores the ongoing commitment to dialogue and cooperation between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, especially in the context of the common challenges of our time and the need for a joint witness to Christian values in the Holy Land and around the world.

Recall that renowned American journalist Tucker Carlson, in his new report, drew attention to the difficult situation of Christians in the Holy Land, arguing that their persecution is increasing in U.S.-funded Israel, while in neighboring Muslim Jordan, Christians are thriving and feel safer.