As reported, on March 19, 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople took part in events marking the 12th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis, which took place at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul. In his speech, the head of Phanar expressed hope for a joint celebration of Easter and the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.
“We have worked to bring our Churches closer together”: head of the Phanar on the Pope
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said that together with the late Pope Francis, they worked to bring the Orthodox and Catholic Churches closer together. The head of the Phanar called the Pope “brother,” noting that this year they planned to meet on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, but “the God of life and death decreed otherwise.” The Orthodox Times reports Bartholomew’s words.
“We have been working faithfully to further bring our Churches closer together to promote theological dialogue between us, to overcome difficulties, but above all to emphasize everything that unites us, so that this journey can lead us to the blessed day when we will again share the Common Chalice,” — the head of Phanar said.
Calling the late Pope “brother,” he recalled the meeting that was scheduled for May in Nicaea, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.
The Patriarch of Constantinople emphasized that “the God of life and death decided otherwise, calling him to Himself, and now Brother Francis will pray from Heaven for all of us and for the unity of the Churches.”
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