Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday, October 25, 2026. The meeting was characterized by an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherhood. During their discussion, the two leaders addressed various issues concerning the lives of their respective Churches and explored common challenges facing the modern world.

Patriarch Bartholomew extended his well-wishes to the Pontiff, expressing hope for a swift recovery following the surgery Pope Leo XIV underwent last week. The visit continues as the Patriarch prepares to officiate a liturgy at the Orthodox Church of Saint Theodore on the Palatine Hill in Rome. His itinerary also includes travel to Loreto and Assisi to participate in commemorative events marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.