On the evening of Thursday, May 8, 2025, a moving tribute was held at the amphitheater of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens, honoring the life and work of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The event took place just hours after the election of the new Pope of Rome — a development that featured prominently in the Patriarch’s heartfelt remarks.
Speaking about the election of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV, Patriarch Bartholomew said: “Indeed, a Pope of American origin has been elected, who took the name Leo the Fourteenth. From what I remember during my time in Rome, Leo XIII was distinguished for his social teachings. We hope that Leo XIV will also embrace the Church’s contribution to the world, not only in the social sphere but by offering answers to the existential questions that continue to concern humanity.”
The Patriarch offered a historical overview of Catholic-Orthodox relations, emphasizing the progress made in recent decades: “Since the time of Pope John XXIII and especially Pope Paul VI — and from our side, Patriarch Athenagoras — a new era began in the relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. With the late Pope Francis, we sought, in full harmony and mutual understanding, to continue the Ecumenical Dialogue.”
He also recalled a landmark moment with Pope Francis: “We made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem — at my initiative — to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic meeting between our predecessors, Athenagoras and Paul VI. We knelt together before the Lord’s Tomb and prayed for the reunion of our Churches and for all humanity.”
Looking ahead, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his intention to attend Pope Leo XIV’s enthronement and continue fostering collaboration: “We look toward the new Pontiff with Christian hope. I intend to travel for his enthronement and propose that we advance the dialogue between East and West. May he combine a visit to Nicaea with an official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on the occasion of our feast of Saint Andrew on November 30.”
In closing, he issued a message of peace, hope, and unity: “May he inspire the Church and the world with the universal ideals of freedom, equality, justice, and solidarity. May he help end wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and prevent conflict between India and Pakistan. I hope we can inaugurate a new era in our bilateral relations and in relations between East and West.”
Watch the first video in English and the second one in Greek:
