On the afternoon of Tuesday, 17 June 2025, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received at the Phanar a large delegation of Secretaries of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Conferences of Europe, headed by His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops.

In his address, His All-Holiness referred to the significance of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, the 1700th anniversary of which is commemorated this year. As he stated, the Council of Nicaea established a vision of conciliarity that continues to shape Christian ecclesial life and reminds us that unity is not a matter of strategy but of faith in the truth revealed in Christ and proclaimed through the life of the Church.

Speaking on the dialogue between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the Patriarch noted that the two Churches have followed a steady and responsible path of encounter – one that is not without its challenges, he added, but also marked by moments of grace, deepened understanding, and a sincere desire for the unity willed by Christ. He referred to his personal friendship with the late Pope Francis, “a true friend of Orthodoxy,” and expressed his joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV, with whom he has already had the opportunity to meet on two occasions. “We are confident,” he emphasized, “that under his leadership, the bonds between our two Churches will continue to grow in truth and love.” He further stated his eager anticipation of welcoming the Pope soon to the Phanar.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Patriarch also referred to the dialogues conducted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the other ancient Eastern Churches as well as with Protestant traditions, in addition to its interfaith initiatives. “Naturally, we do not turn a blind eye to the many challenges facing both the Church and humanity today,” he added. “Issues of social justice, migration, war, religious persecution, and the climate crisis demand our attention.”

The Roman Catholic delegation included bishops, clergy, and lay collaborators, to whom His All-Holiness offered commemorative gifts.