Unprecedented ecumenical gesture: Patriarch of Constantinople will attend Pope's inauguration
March 15, 2013
Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has announced that he plans to attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Frances on March 19.
The appearance by the Ecumenical Patriarch--the "first among equals" of all the world's Orthodox leaders--is an unprecedented gesture. The Patriarch of Constantinople has not attended a papal installation since 1054, when Constantinople split from Rome.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Mar. 16, 2013 11:42 AM ET USA
My eyes teared up with joy at this news. It is my prayer that a reunion takes place before I die. Perhaps if this happens, the Russian church will not be far behind.
-
Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Mar. 15, 2013 9:56 PM ET USA
I don't know why, but I sense a "coming together" of the Eastern Orthodox Church along with many Protestant denominations under the aegis of this Pope to fight the evil, secular culture that threatens all of Christendom. Long live Pope Francis!
-
Posted by: AgnesDay -
Mar. 15, 2013 5:45 PM ET USA
I truly admire Patriarch Bartholomew for his charity and his wisdom. He has a very difficult job herding the cats in his own church. It is a daydream of mine that he might participate in the next conclave and, who knows...?
