Istanbul: On the final day of his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV offered a profound reflection on Christian unity during a prayer visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, underscoring that true communion is built not on dominance but on the free exchange of spiritual gifts bestowed by God.
Pope Leo began his day in solemn prayer inside the centuries-old cathedral, a spiritual home for Türkiye’s Armenian Apostolic community. In his address, he extended fraternal greetings to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and to Armenian faithful across the country.
The Pope expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Armenian people’s unwavering Christian testimony “offered with courage throughout history, even in the face of tragic trials.” Their endurance and fidelity, he said, remain a powerful witness to the entire Christian world.
Highlighting the long-standing friendship between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, Pope Leo recalled the historic 1970 joint declaration signed by Pope Paul VI and Catholicos Vasken I, the first such agreement between a Pope and an Oriental Orthodox Patriarch.
“Since then, by God’s grace, the dialogue of charity has continued to blossom,” he remarked, noting that cooperation and mutual respect have grown steadily across decades.
The Pope’s Türkiye visit also holds special meaning as the universal Church observes the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This milestone, he said, reminds Christians of the early centuries when East and West walked closely together in faith.
Drawing inspiration from that shared heritage, Pope Leo stressed that full Christian communion must never imply assimilation or control.
“Communion does not mean absorption or domination,” he said. “It is an exchange freely and humbly of the gifts the Holy Spirit has poured into our Churches, for the glory of God and the building up of Christ’s Body.”
The Pope voiced optimism that the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches will soon resume its work toward restored unity.
Pope Leo also paid tribute to St. Nerses IV Shnorhali, the 12th-century Armenian Catholicos renowned for his efforts to reconcile divided Christian communities. His example, Pope Leo prayed, should inspire contemporary leaders to persevere on the path toward the unity Christ desired.
The emotional resonance of the Pope’s visit was unmistakable. Children lined the cathedral aisles with scarves bearing the papal visit’s emblem. A choir’s harmonies mingled with incense as Patriarch Sahak II accompanied Pope Leo into the sanctuary. At the church entrance, a man stood on a ledge ringing the cathedral bells, marking the moment.
Among the faithful, some were moved to tears. “We are the largest Christian community in Türkiye, so the Pope’s presence in our Church is deeply meaningful,” said Archpriest Dr. Drtad Uzunyan, a member of the religious council. He expressed hope that the visit will strengthen ecumenical ties that are “already very good, but can grow even stronger.”
He noted that Pope Leo XIV is the fourth pontiff to pray in this cathedral, following Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XIV. He also recalled Pope Francis’ 2014 visit to the Armenian Patriarch, who was then hospitalized. “So although four Popes have come to the Cathedral, five Popes have met our community,” he said with a smile.
Before departing, Pope Leo warmly thanked Patriarch Sahak II for the hospitality extended to him and prayed that both Churches may be strengthened to bear a united, credible witness to the Gospel.
“May we receive this gift from above with open hearts,” the Pope said, “that we may be ever more convincing witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and faithful servants of the mission entrusted to the one Church of Christ.”