‘Credibility of Christian message at stake’ in efforts for unity, says Pope

Christians must make a ‘decisive contribution to the efforts of all men and women of good will to build peace’, including by striving for Christian unity, Pope Leo XIV told a delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople today.

The delegation visited Rome in honour of the solemnity of St Peter and St Paul, the patrons of the Catholic Church; a Vatican delegation traditionally visits Istanbul every 30 November on the feast day of St Andrew, the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s patron saint.

“In an age marked by wars and growing polarisation, as well as cultural and social divisions, Christians – reconciled amongst themselves and united in their profession of the one faith – are called to be a credible sign of peace,” Pope Leo said.

“Moreover, in the current situation, it is not only the credibility of the Christian message that is at stake, but the very future of humanity.”

Pope Leo said the need for greater cooperation amongst Christians in the face of today’s challenges, such as “peace, the proper use of new technologies and care for creation”, stems from “the Gospel of Jesus Christ itself”.

“Indeed, our responsibility for the life and dignity of every human being, beginning with the youngest and most needy, is the criterion that will determine our present and eternal destiny,” he said.

Pope Leo recalled his meetings with Patriarch Bartholomew, saying that they were “able to deepen our mutual friendship and share our views on numerous issues, above all our common desire to make progress on the path towards full unity amongst all Christians”.

He prayed that the journey “towards the celebration of the second millennium of the Redemption, in 2033, be undertaken together by all the Christian denominations of the world, rediscovering the gift and the call to be witnesses to the Risen One”.

Last year, Pope Leo said he intends to “persevere in the effort to reestablish full visible communion between our Churches” and that this can only be achieved “with God’s help, through a continued commitment to respectful listening and fraternal dialogue”.

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