Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago was honored to be received in audience today by Pope Leo XIV, together with his brother in Christ, Cardinal Blase Cupich.
Their wide-ranging conversation touched on shared concerns about developments in the Middle East, the urgent need for continued prayer and peace to end the violence, and the importance of collaboration between
Orthodox and Catholic Christians—especially in Chicago. They also reflected on the importance of a strong public Christian witness in today’s ever-changing world.
In keeping with a central theme of the pilgrimage, they discussed the call to pray for and protect the natural environment, emphasizing that while human beings hold a special place within creation, we are not separate from it, but part of it.
A devoted Yankees fan, the Metropolitan was happy to be a White Sox fan for the day in honor of the Pope.
Photo and text: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago/Catholic News Service Vatican News
