«We reject any use of religion and the Name of God to justify violence. We believe that authentic interreligious dialogue, far from being a cause of syncretism and confusion, is essential for the coexistence of peoples belonging to different traditions and cultures.” This is what we read in the declaration signed in Istanbul by the Pope and Patriarch Bartholomew. «We urge all men and women of good will to work together to build a more just and supportive world and to take care of creation, which God has entrusted to us. Only in this way will the human family be able to overcome indifference, the desire for domination, greed for profit and xenophobia.”
The Pope reiterates the need for union among all Christians. He said this during his visit to the Church of St. George of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople. «Yesterday, and again this morning, we experienced extraordinary moments of grace as we commemorated, together with our brothers and sisters in the faith, the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Remembering that very significant event and inspired by Jesus’ prayer that all his disciples may be one, we are encouraged in our commitment – said Leone in his greeting to Patriarch Bartholomew – to seek the restoration of full communion between all Christians”.
In his speech at the conclusion of this morning’s meeting in the church of Mor Ephrem, Pope Leo XIV “returned to the value of the Council of Nicaea and yesterday’s celebration”. This was reported by the Holy See Press Office, underlining that the Pontiff “has asked for and assured prayers so that new meetings and moments like the one experienced can be generated, even with those Churches that were unable to be present”.
«Finally, he invited us to travel together on the spiritual journey that leads to the Jubilee of the Redemption, in 2033, with the prospect of a return to Jerusalem, to the cenacle, the place of Jesus’ Last Supper».