Pope Leo XIV at the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople with a message of unity and peace

“This visit gives me the opportunity to express my gratitude to God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often in tragic circumstances,” said Levon XIV, also expressing gratitude for the fraternal ties that exist between the two churches.

Robert Attarian - Vatican

On Sunday, November 30, Pope Leo XIV visited the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, which is located seven kilometers from the Apostolic Legation. The High Priest was welcomed by His Holiness Sahak II. Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church and on this occasion, after the Patriarch’s welcome speech, he addressed his message to those present. He began by expressing his joy at being in that place, then, through His Holiness Sahak II., he conveyed his greetings to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, as well as to the bishops, clergy and the entire Armenian Apostolic community of Istanbul and Turkey.

The courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people

“This visit gives me the opportunity to express my gratitude to God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often in tragic circumstances,” said Levon XIV, also expressing gratitude for the fraternal ties that exist between the two churches.

Visits of Catholicos Khoren I and His Holiness Vazgen I to the Vatican

Read also

Patriarch Sahak II's welcoming speech to Pope Levon XIV

30/11/2025

Patriarch Sahak II's welcoming speech to Pope Levon XIV

The Holy Father then recalled the visit of Catholicos Khoren I to the Vatican in May 1967, which “became the first head of the Eastern Orthodox Church to visit and exchange a kiss of peace with the Bishop of Rome,” the Pope noted, also referring to the meeting between His Holiness Catholicos Vasken I and Pope Paul VI in May 1970 and the signing of the first joint declaration, which was also the first declaration signed between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, by which they invited the faithful to rediscover themselves as brothers and sisters in Christ, in order to promote unity.

Rediscovering unity

The Holy Father then referred to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, emphasizing the need to restore the unity and full communion that existed centuries ago, also expressing hope that the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches will soon be able to resume its fruitful work, striving for a full communion.

Saint Nerses the Merciful

“On this path of unity, we have been preceded and surrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ (Heb. 12:1),” the High Priest then said, mentioning among the saints of the Armenian tradition the great 12th-century Catholicos and poet Nerses IV Shnorhali, “whose 850th anniversary of death was recently commemorated, and who tirelessly worked to reconcile the churches and fulfill Christ’s prayer that “all may be one” (John 17:21),” said Levon XIV, then concluded his speech by asking that “the example of Saint Nerses inspire us, and his prayer strengthen us on the path of full communion.” He then expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he had received, and affirmed his dedication to serving Christian unity, so that we may be, he added, “more convincing witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and better servants of the mission of the one Church of Christ.”

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Pope Leo XIV's Sermon at Constantinople: Bridges to Unity

In his homily, the High Priest invited us to reflect on the images of the prophet Isaiah, in particular on the image of the high mountain (Zion), which is a symbol of the Church, a community that brings light and peace to all. He recalled that the fruits of God are for all, and that Christian witness, like that of many saints, must be strong and contagious, based on the harmony of life, prayer and the Holy Sacraments.

Vazgen Abardian - Vatican

His Holiness Leo XIV presided over the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople, as part of his apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.

In his homily delivered during the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness emphasized that this ceremony takes place near the date of the memory of the country's patron saint, St. Andrew, and marks the beginning of Lent, which is the period of preparation for the Nativity of Christ, the mystery of the Son of God, proclaimed in the Nicene Creed.

The image of a high mountain

In his homily, the High Priest invited us to reflect on the images of the prophet Isaiah, in particular on the image of the high mountain (Zion), which is a symbol of the Church, a community that brings light and peace to all. He recalled that the fruits of God are for all, and that Christian witness, like that of many saints, must be strong and contagious, based on the harmony of life, prayer and the Holy Sacraments.

The importance of bridges

The Pope emphasized the symbolic and tangible importance of “bridges,” such as the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Asia and Europe. These bridges represent three levels of unity: internal unity within the Church, communion among Christian Churches, and dialogue with other religions. These bridges require care and attention to strengthen the bonds of communion, as a witness to Catholicism and the universal love of Christ.

All-Union Dedication

The Pope emphasized the importance of the communion of communion: “The bond of communion that this liturgy imposes on us is the bond of communion. This is also evidenced by the participation of representatives of other confessions, whom I greet with lively gratitude. The same faith in the Savior truly unites us not only among ourselves, but also with all our sisters and brothers who belong to other Churches and Christian Communities,” said the Holy Father.

The unity and diversity of church life

“First of all, as I said, in this Church there are four different liturgical traditions: Latin, Armenian, Chaldean and Assyrian, each a source of richness in terms of its spiritual, historical and ecclesial life. The exchange of these differences can especially show one of the most beautiful features of the face of the Bride of Christ: the catholicity that unites. The unity strengthened around the table is a gift of God, and as such, it is strong and invincible, because it is the work of His grace,” said the Holy Father.

Union with non-Christian communities

“The relationship that the Word of God reminds us of is with those who belong to non-Christian communities. We live in a world where religion is often used to justify wars and atrocities. However, we know that, as the Second Vatican Council affirms: “Man’s relationship with God the Father and man’s relationship with his brothers and sisters are so closely linked that Scripture says: ‘He who does not love does not know God’ (1 Jn 4:8)” (Encyclical Nostra Aetate, 5). "Therefore, we want to walk together, valuing what unites us, breaking down the walls of prejudice and mistrust, encouraging mutual awareness and respect, so that we can give everyone a strong message of hope and an invitation to become 'workers of peace' (Matt. 5:9)," said His Holiness, concluding his homily by noting:

"Beloved, let us make these values our goals for the Lenten season and, even more, our plans for personal and community life. Let our steps move as if on the bridge that connects earth to heaven, and that the Lord has built for us. Let us always keep our eyes fixed on its banks, so that we may love God and our brothers and sisters with all our hearts, so that we may walk together and one day find ourselves in the Father's house."

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Levon XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew: Never use the name of God to justify wars and violence.

Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue in order to restore full unity between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Joint Declaration.

Vazgen Abardian - Vatican

On Saturday, November 29, after a prayer service at the St. George Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, His Holiness the Patriarch and the Ecumenical Patriarch signed the “joint declaration” in the Patriarchal Palace and had a private meeting, during which they introduced the members of the respective delegations.

Joint Declaration

In the declaration, Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, meeting on the eve of the Feast of St. Andrew, expressed their satisfaction with their meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue aimed at the reestablishment of full unity between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Christian Union

The declaration states that Christian unity is a gift and not merely the result of human effort. Pope Leo XV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew invite all believers to pray for the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer: “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21).

1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea

Leo XIV, Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch, noted that the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea emphasizes the importance of unity and the common faith expressed in the Nicene Creed.

The date of Easter

The declaration expresses satisfaction at celebrating Easter on the same day this year and expresses a common desire to explore a solution so that they can celebrate it together every year.

60th Anniversary of the Joint Declaration (1965)

Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recall with satisfaction the gesture of their predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, which rendered the anathemas of 1054 ineffective, encouraging those who hesitated to continue the dialogue.

Support for Theological Dialogue

In the declaration, they reaffirm their continued support for the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue. They encourage fraternal relations, prayer, and joint work.

Call for Peace and Rejection of Violence

Levon XIV. The Pope and the Patriarch pray for peace and ask civil and political leaders to immediately stop the tragedy of war. They categorically reject the use of religion to justify violence.

Interreligious Dialogue

The Pope and the Patriarch emphasize that genuine interreligious dialogue is essential for the coexistence of peoples belonging to different traditions and cultures, also recalling the 60th anniversary of the Nostra Aetate declaration.

Hope and Prayer

Despite international concerns, Pope Leo XV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew express hope and entrust to God all human creatures, especially those in need, praying for their comfort and “full understanding of the mystery of God.”

Thank you for reading the article. If you would like to receive the latest news, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.

lro 🦁

thr bolder

a hamster

im suf

🌹



Pope Leo XIV visits the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople with a message of unity and peace

“This visit gives me the opportunity to thank God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often under tragic circumstances,” said Pope Leo XIV, expressing his gratitude for the fraternal ties between the two churches.

Robert Attarian – Vatican

On Sunday, November 30, Pope Leo XIV visited the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, located seven kilometers from the Apostolic Legation. The Pope was received by the Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Sahak II. After the Patriarch's welcoming address, he addressed those present. He began by expressing his joy at his visit. He then conveyed greetings through Patriarch Sahak II to the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, as well as to the bishops, clergy, and the entire Armenian Apostolic community in Istanbul and Turkey.

The courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people

“This visit gives me the opportunity to thank God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often under tragic circumstances,” said Levon XIV, also expressing his gratitude for the fraternal relations between the two churches.

Visits of Catholicos Choren I and Vazgen I to the Vatican

See also: Patriarch Sahak II's welcoming address to Pope Levon XIV.

30.11.2025

Greeting address by Patriarch Sahak II to Pope Levon XIV.

The Holy Father recalled the visit of Catholicos Choren I to the Vatican in May 1967. He was “the first head of the Orthodox Church to visit the Bishop of Rome and offer him a kiss of peace,” the Patriarch noted, also referring to the visit of Catholicos Vazgen I to Pope Paul VI in May 1970. At this meeting, the first joint declaration was signed, which was also the first declaration between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. In it, the faithful were invited to rediscover themselves as brothers and sisters in Christ in order to promote unity.

The rediscovery of unity

The Holy Father then referred to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and emphasized the need to restore the unity and full communion that once existed. He also expressed his hope that the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches would soon be able to resume its fruitful work towards achieving full communion.

Saint Nerses the Blessed

“On this path to unity, we have been accompanied and surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1),” said the High Priest, mentioning among the saints of the Armenian tradition the great Catholicos and poet Nerses IV, the Blessed, who lived in the 12th century and whose 850th death anniversary was recently commemorated. “He worked tirelessly for the reconciliation of the Churches and for the fulfillment of Christ’s prayer that ‘all may be one’ (John 17:21),” said Levon XIV, concluding his address. He prayed that “the example of Saint Nerses may inspire us and his prayer may strengthen us on the path of full ecclesial communion.” He then thanked everyone for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to Christian unity so that, as he added, we might be “more convincing witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and better ministers to the mission of the one Church of Christ.”



Homily of Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the intercession of Constantinople: Bridges to Unity

In his homily, the Pope invited reflection on the imagery of the prophet Isaiah, particularly the image of the high mountain (Zion), which symbolizes the Church, a single community that brings light and peace to all. He reminded the congregation that the fruits of God benefit everyone and that Christian witness, like that of the many saints, must be strong and contagious, founded on the harmony of life, prayer, and the Holy Sacraments.

Vazgen Abardian – Vatican

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople as part of his apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon on the occasion of the First Council of Nicaea. The occasion was the 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council.

In his sermon during the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness emphasized that this celebration takes place near the feast day of the country's patron saint, Saint Andrew, and marks the beginning of Lent, the time of preparation for the birth of Christ, the mystery of the Son of God, as proclaimed in the Nicene Creed.

The image of the sublime mountain

In his sermon, the High Priest invited us to reflect on the imagery of the prophet Isaiah, especially the image of the exalted mountain (Zion), which is a symbol of the Church, a single community that brings light and peace to all. He reminded us that the fruits of God benefit everyone and that Christian witness, like that of many saints, must be strong and contagious, founded on the harmony of life, prayer, and the holy sacraments.

The importance of bridges

The Pope emphasized the symbolic and concrete significance of "bridges," such as the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Asia and Europe. These bridges symbolize three levels of unity: the inner unity within the Church, the communion of Christian churches, and dialogue with other religions. These bridges require care and attention to strengthen the bonds of communion—as a witness to Catholicism and the universal love of Christ.

In the pan-union consecration

The Pope emphasized the significance of the pan-union consecration: “The bond of communion that this liturgy imposes upon us is the bond of communion. This is also evidenced by the participation of representatives of other denominations, whom I welcome with heartfelt gratitude. The same faith in the Redeemer truly unites us not only among ourselves, but also with all our sisters and brothers who belong to other churches and Christian communities,” said the Holy Father.

Unity and diversity of church life

“As I have already said, there are four different liturgical traditions in this Church: the Latin, the Armenian, the Chaldean, and the Assyrian. Each of them is a source of richness in terms of its spiritual, historical, and ecclesial life. Exchanging these differences can reveal, in particular, one of the most beautiful characteristics of the Bride of Christ: the catholicity that unites. The unity strengthened at the table is a gift from God and, as such, strong and invincible because it is the work of his grace,” said the Holy Father.

Unity with non-Christian communities

“The bond to which the Word of God reminds us is the bond with those belonging to non-Christian communities. We live in a world where religion is often misused to justify wars and atrocities. Yet we know, as the Second Vatican Council affirms: ‘Man’s relationship with God the Father and his relationship with his brothers and sisters are so closely linked that Sacred Scripture says: “Whoever does not love does not know God” (1 John 4:8) (Nostra Aetate, 5). Therefore, let us walk together, cherish what we have in common, tear down the walls of prejudice and mistrust, and foster mutual awareness and respect, in order to give everyone a powerful message of hope and the invitation to become “peacemakers” (Mt 5:9),” said His Holiness, concluding his homily with the words:

“Beloved ones, let us make these values our goals for Lent and beyond, our personal and communal life plans. Let us walk as if across the bridge.” This is the connection between earth and heaven that the Lord has built for us. Let us always look toward its shores, so that we may love God and our brothers and sisters with all our hearts, so that we may walk together and one day dwell in the Father’s house.

Thank you for reading. If you would like to receive the latest news, you can subscribe to our newsletter here.

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Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew: Never misuse the name of God to justify war and violence.

Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue for the restoration of full communion between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the 60th anniversary of the Joint Declaration of 1965.

Vazgen Abardian – Vatican

On Saturday, November 29, following prayer in St. George's Church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, His Holiness the Patriarch and the Ecumenical Patriarch signed the "Joint Declaration" in the Patriarchal Palace and subsequently held a private meeting, during which they introduced the members of their respective delegations.

Joint statement

In the statement, Pope Leo XV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who met on the eve of the Feast of Saint Andrew, expressed their satisfaction with their meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue aimed at restoring full unity between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Christian Unity

The declaration states that Christian unity is a gift and not merely the result of human effort. Pope Leo XV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew invite all the faithful to pray for the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer: "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).

1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea

Pope Leo XV and the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that the celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea underline the importance of unity and common faith as expressed in the Nicene Creed.

Easter date

The statement expresses their satisfaction that Easter will be celebrated on the same day this year and reaffirms the shared desire to find a solution so that it can be celebrated together every year.

60th anniversary of the Joint Declaration (1965)

Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recall with satisfaction the gesture of their predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, who repealed the anathema of 1054, thus encouraging those who had hesitated to continue the dialogue.

Supporting theological dialogue

In the declaration, they reaffirm their continued support for the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue. They encourage fraternal relations, prayer, and joint work.

A call for peace and rejection of violence

Leon XIV. The Pope and the Patriarch pray for peace and urge those in positions of civil and political responsibility to immediately end the tragedy of war. They categorically reject the instrumentalization of religion to justify violence.

Interreligious dialogue

The High Priest and the Patriarch emphasize that genuine interreligious dialogue is essential for the coexistence of people from different traditions and cultures. They also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the declaration Nostra Aetate.

Hope and prayer

Despite international concern, Pope Leo XV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew express hope and entrust all people, especially the needy, to God. They pray for their comfort and their "full understanding of the mystery of God."

Thank you for reading this article. If you would like to receive the latest news, you can subscribe to our newsletter here.

This was the decisive action that Pope Leo had failed to adequately address. The living fossil

Bartholomew wanted to lure him into a trap

exactly with the statement that was made here

Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew:

Never misuse the name of God to justify war and violence.

The ploy seems to have worked.

Dennerdogan reacted... while the Pope was still in Turkey.

from German, for example at Welten_Denker

This was written on November 30, 2025.

The Pope will be en route to Syria in a few hours.

I absolutely must warn the Catholic Church against further traps and follies of the Pope.

dnn dis Bubui sitter muss leider

Leo Sitting

It's already 12:55 and I absolutely have to have a snack.