Istanbul: Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Phanar in Istanbul during his visit to present the current phase of the Synod of the Catholic Church at a gathering of General Secretaries of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE). Their encounter, held on June 17, was marked by fraternity and a shared vision of unity, echoing the warmth often seen between the Ecumenical Patriarch and Pope Francis.
During the gathering, Cardinal Grech outlined the ongoing implementation of the Synod process, emphasizing the Church’s journey of communion and participation. His visit also included a significant stop in Iznik ancient Nicaea where the First Ecumenical Council was held 1,700 years ago. A visit to Nicaea by Pope Leo XIV is expected, continuing the vision first proposed by Pope Francis.
In his address to the CCEE participants, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke with deep appreciation for Pope Francis, describing him as “a genuine friend of Orthodoxy.” He expressed gratitude for the years of mutual encouragement and spiritual solidarity between their Churches, and shared his hopes for continued growth in relationship under Pope Leo XIV. “We are confident that his pontificate will deepen our shared witness in truth and love,” the Patriarch said. “We pray that he leads with discernment and courage in a world in search of unity.”
The Patriarch turned much of his focus to the vital need for dialogue among Christians and between religions especially during times of fear, division, and violence. “We are not called to build walls, but bridges,” he said, reaffirming the value of ongoing theological dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, a path re-opened after the lifting of the mutual excommunications in 1965.
This journey toward deeper unity, while marked by challenges, has also seen moments of grace and growing mutual understanding. Patriarch Bartholomew stressed that dialogue is not merely academic or ceremonial, but a spiritual encounter. It is a path toward the unity that Christ desires a unity rooted in love, truth, and shared witness.
He also spoke about interfaith dialogue, a key focus for the Orthodox Church. “Our relations with Jewish, Muslim, and other religious leaders have grown from the belief that peace, mutual understanding, and respect for every human being are core values that all religions must uphold,” he said.
Addressing broader concerns, the Patriarch pointed to today’s global crises social injustice, migration, war, persecution, and climate change. These are not separate from the Church’s mission, he stressed, but are deeply intertwined with the Gospel. In particular, he noted that environmental protection remains an area where collaboration between Churches has been fruitful and urgent.
Patriarch Bartholomew praised the role of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe, thanking them for helping the Church speak with coherence and compassion. He also looked ahead to the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, describing it as a timely reminder that Christian unity is not a strategy, but a call to live in fidelity to the truth revealed in Christ.
Cardinal Grech also celebrated Mass in the crypt of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Istanbul. In his homily, he reflected on the legacy of Nicaea and the boldness of the early Church in defining the nature of Christ. “They declared that the Son shares fully in the nature of the Father a radical affirmation of divine participation,” Grech said. “Jesus invites us to be children of God, to share in His nature, not just through belief, but by imitation by acting like the Father.”
He linked this to the spirit of the Synod, quoting from the Synod’s Final Document: “The salvation we receive and proclaim is deeply relational. We are called to live out communion by walking together, bringing the joy of the Gospel to everyone.”
Concluding his message, Cardinal Grech acknowledged that building unity is never simple. “Even Nicaea had tensions. Even the Synod on Synodality sparked debate. But we are limited beings striving to reflect the infinite love of God. That is the path of communion.”
The meeting in Istanbul served as a living witness of that path a testament to the enduring hope for unity, and the shared commitment of both Churches to walk together toward a future of reconciliation, dialogue, and peace.