A delegation from the Patriarchate of Constantinople attended a solemn Mass at the Vatican

A delegation from the Patriarchate of Constantinople (the Phanar), led by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, visited the Vatican to participate in a festive divine service at St. Peter’s Basilica. During the feast day honoring the Apostles Peter and Paul, Pope Leo XIV called for compromise in the name of achieving Christian unity, according tothe Orthodoxia News Agency.

The official visit by representatives of the Phanar took place on June 29, 2026. In addition to Metropolitan Emmanuel, who oversees Orthodox-Catholic dialogue, the delegation included the director of the Patriarch’s private office, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetius, and Patriarchal Deacon Anatolios Doksastakis. During the solemn Mass, the pontiff addressed the guests, calling on them to find common ground. He emphasized that the example of Saint Peter calls upon every believer to choose God as their primary guide and to always walk side by side with their brothers.

The Orthodox delegation’s itinerary also includes a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The Patriarchate of Constantinople continues to demonstrate a commitment to rapprochement with other denominations; earlier in Istanbul, Patriarch Bartholomew also held talks with representatives of the Anglican Church.