Vatican Meeting Between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo

Today (May 30, 2025), a meeting took place at the Vatican between His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo IV, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical ‘Laudato Si’,’ dedicated to environmental protection. The two spiritual leaders engaged in warm and heartfelt discussions centered around Pope Leo’s upcoming official visit to Turkey and his anticipated meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew later this year. They also addressed other pressing ecclesiastical issues. The atmosphere of the meeting was characterized by mutual respect and friendship. At the conclusion of their dialogue, Pope Leo graciously received members of the Patriarchal delegation, offering his blessing and posing for commemorative photographs. Analysts note that the outgoing pontiff drew significant inspiration for this encyclical from the work and unique sensitivity of the Orthodox Church toward protecting and respecting our planet. According to reports, the new pontiff and the Ecumenical Patriarch agreed to meet in Nicaea at the end of November to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. During this trip, the Pope is expected to visit Ankara, Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the Feast of St. Andrew, and Ephesus. The Patriarchal entourage included Metropolitan of Italy Polycarp, Chief Ecclesiarch Aetius, Director of the Patriarchal Private Office and Hierodeacon Anatolios Doxastakis, and Archon Megas Chartophylax Pantelimon Viga.