With due solemnity, the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques, at a special ceremony held at midday on Monday, March 30, 2026, formally admitted His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as a Foreign Associate, in the presence of its members and a large number of distinguished guests and eminent personalities from French society, as well as from abroad.

The ceremony commenced with a warm address of welcome by the President of the Academy, Mr. Jean-David Levitte, followed by the presentation of the work and personality of the honoree (Éloge) by Mr. Thierry de Montbrial, Member of the Academy.

Subsequently, His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, in accordance with established custom, delivered an address in the French language on his predecessor in the academic chair to which he has been admitted, namely the late Pope Benedict XVI, with particular reference to his life, theology, and work. The address of His All-Holiness was received with prolonged applause. (Read the address here. – Watch the video here.)

Immediately thereafter, the Vice-President of the Academy, Chief Rabbi of France, Mr. Haim Korsia, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop Luc Ravel presented to His All-Holiness the commemorative gift of the Academy upon his induction, namely, a two-volume 1675 edition of the works of Saint Maximus the Confessor.

A reception followed at the premises of the Institut de France, during which His All-Holiness received the congratulations of those in attendance.