Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to Istanbul marked a historic moment in Catholic–Orthodox relations, bringing three days of prayer, symbolism and renewed commitments to unity.
From shared reflections in Nicaea to the signing of a Joint Declaration at the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the solemn Divine Liturgy for St Andrew, the visit underscored a common desire to heal centuries-old divisions and work toward closer ties, including controversial efforts to achieve a unified Easter date.
Friday: Joint appearance in Nicaea and call for unity
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV made a joint appearance on Friday near the archaeological excavations of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos in Nicaea (Iznik), where the First Ecumenical Council shaped the Creed 1,700 years ago.
Their visit culminated in a shared reading of the Creed.
Patriarch Bartholomew called Nicaea “the cradle of Christian faith,” urging attentiveness to “all the voices of the faithful for unity” and noting that despite centuries of “turmoil, difficulties and divisions,” the anniversary is marked with “common reverence and hope.”
He added that the Creed is “not a symbol of the minimum, but of the whole.”
Pope Leo stressed the need to overcome “the scandal of divisions” and condemned the use of religion to justify war or fanaticism.
He was scheduled to travel to Istanbul that evening for a doxology and meetings at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Saturday: Historic joint declaration and commitment to a unified Easter
On Saturday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally welcomed Pope Leo XIV to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Istanbul, the culmination of the Pope’s first apostolic journey to the city since his election.
The two leaders lit candles, venerated a holy icon and attended a doxology at the Patriarchal Church of St George, with Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, hierarchs of both churches and diplomatic representatives present amid heavy security in Istanbul.
In the Throne Hall, they signed a Joint Declaration pledging to strengthen unity between their churches.
Patriarch Bartholomew praised past pontiffs Benedict XVI and Francis as “exceptional” contributors to rapprochement, recalling that Francis died “the second day after Easter in Rome,” but adding, “the promise was fulfilled yesterday by the two of us.”
He emphasised the duty “to maintain the spirit and unity of peace,” calling the question of unity “more important than ever.”
Pope Leo expressed “deep gratitude” for the warm reception and said he was moved to follow in the footsteps of Paul VI, John Paul II and Francis.
The Joint Declaration also reaffirmed a shared commitment to pursuing a common Easter date.
“It is our shared desire to continue seeking a possible solution so that we may celebrate the Feast of Feasts together every year,” the declaration stated.
Although no date was set, both leaders said efforts toward a unified Easter should continue, an issue long discussed since the Great Schism nearly 1,000 years ago.
The declaration also reiterated their aim for “the hoped-for restoration of full communion.”
Earlier on Saturday, Pope Leo visited Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque in silence and prayer alongside Turkey’s religious authority, the Diyanet. He did not visit the nearby Hagia Sophia.
He later celebrated a large Mass in the city and was scheduled to depart for Lebanon on Sunday.
Sunday: Divine Liturgy for St Andrew and renewed call for full communion
On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV attended the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George for the feast of St Andrew, following an invitation from Patriarch Bartholomew.
More than 400 members of the Holy Synod and the episcopate participated.
In his address, Pope Leo linked the day’s liturgy to the two leaders’ pilgrimage to Nicaea, saying that the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed “unites us in real communion and allows us to recognise each other as brothers and sisters.”
Despite “many misunderstandings and even conflicts,” he called on Christians to continue striving toward unity and to “love one another accordingly.”
Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the Pope warmly, emphasising that as “successors of the two holy Apostles,” they are bound by “ties of spiritual brotherhood” and must work diligently for Christian unity and the restoration of full ecclesial communion.
He stressed that such encounters are far more than protocol, expressing “our deep commitment to the quest for Christian unity.”
Both leaders referenced the historic 1965 lifting of the 1054 mutual excommunications by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, which began a new era of reconciliation.
They also underscored their shared responsibility to advocate for peace, address humanitarian crises, confront ecological challenges, and ensure emerging technologies serve all people.
Pope Leo concluded by offering “fervent wishes for good health and serenity” to Patriarch Bartholomew, entrusting all present to the intercession of St Andrew, St Peter, St George and the Fathers of the First Council of Nicaea.
