Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria met with Pope Leo

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria participated in the Peace Assembly in Rome and met with Pope Leo XIV before traveling to Constantinople to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. In his speech, the Primate emphasized that peaceful coexistence is the only choice for humanity and called for concrete action to achieve it.

According to Orthodox Times, on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa will travel to Constantinople at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He will take part in the celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the convening of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicea.

Prior to his trip to Nicea, the Patriarch took part in a major peace assembly organized by the peacemaking community of St. Egidius in Rome. The closing ceremony took place at the Colosseum, where, as is well known, thousands of Christians were martyred. Speaking as the keynote speaker, the Patriarch spoke of the importance of world peace.

«All together, as one family, we must defend life and stop throwing around words like bombs that can destroy centuries of coexistence and understanding, » he said. The Patriarch emphasized that it is time for deeds, not words, for actions, not vague and hypocritical expressions of goodwill. «Peaceful coexistence is our only choice, » he concluded, adding that it is a necessary condition for building a better future for the benefit of humanity.

During his visit to Rome, Patriarch Theodore II held a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The heads of the Vatican and the Patriarchate of Alexandria discussed various issues concerning their historic churches and the upcoming council in Nicea. They emphasized the importance of their presence at the event and the meaningful message they have to deliver to a world hungry for joy, peace, hope and mutual respect.

Recall, earlier we reported that Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria will take part in the solemn events at the Phanar, timed to coincide with the day of commemoration of St. Andrew the Apostle. The head of the Patriarchate of Alexandria will perform a joint Divine Service with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, which will also be attended by Pope Leo XIV of Rome.