Rimini: In Rimini, where faith and history intersected during a meeting commemorating the Council of Nicaea, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople delivered a solemn reminder: peace cannot exist without justice. Speaking to Vatican News, he reflected on the tragic wars tearing humanity apart, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing it as “a fratricidal war a scandal for the Christian world, and especially for the Orthodox Church.”
Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the Christian duty to bear witness to justice. “As Christians, we must make our voices heard, united just as our brothers have done and we must bear witness to a firm commitment to justice, because without justice there is no peace,” he said, highlighting the moral responsibility of the faithful in a world fraught with conflict.
The Patriarch also reflected on the 1700th anniversary of the great Council of Nicaea, which remains a cornerstone of Christian unity and theological clarity. “The Council reminds today’s Christians that Christ is truly the Logos made flesh, Light from Light, true God from true God, Homoousios of the same essence as the Father. This understanding shapes all our actions today and for the future,” he said, stressing the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in guiding contemporary faith.
Among the Council’s historic discussions was the attempt to unify the date of Easter a challenge that continues to this day. Patriarch Bartholomew noted that dialogue on a common date remains ongoing, acknowledging the sensitivities among different Christian traditions. “For the Orthodox Church, what was established by an Ecumenical Council can only be modified by another Ecumenical Council. Still, we are open to listening to the Spirit, who has shown us how essential it is to unify the date of Easter,” he explained.
The Patriarch paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, recalling their joint efforts for peace, interfaith dialogue, environmental stewardship, and the protection of marginalized communities. “From the day of his election, we felt moved to be present at his inauguration something unprecedented for an Ecumenical Patriarch. Together, we fought for peace among peoples…The Lord will reward him for what he bore witness to with his life and work,” he said.
Bartholomew also expressed optimism about his interactions with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. “Although his style differs from that of Pope Francis, he immediately demonstrated a firm desire to continue walking in the footsteps of his predecessor. We feel a strong harmony with him, especially as his first trip abroad will be to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to Nicaea, to bear witness together to our shared commitment to ecumenical dialogue and global challenges,” he said.
Turning to the world’s ongoing crises, including Ukraine and Gaza, the Patriarch underscored that Christians must act with courage and faith. “We must raise our voices united and stand firm in our commitment to justice. But as Christians, we also possess an invincible weapon: prayer. And we must never forget that,” he affirmed, closing with a call for solidarity, faith, and unwavering moral witness.