Patriarch Bartholomew Tells Catholics Conditions for Unity between Greek Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church

On October 18, 2023, Patriarch Bartholomew, during a meeting with Catholic bishops in Spain, discussed the conditions for unity between the Ecumenical Patriarchate (Phanar) and the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), as reported by orthodoxia.info.

Addressing the RCC bishops in Spain, Patriarch Bartholomew stated that "bilateral dialogue between our two sister Churches is a beacon of hope and a testimony to our commitment to Christian unity, mutual understanding, and reconciliation."

Patriarch Bartholomew and RCC bishops. Photo: orthodoxia.info

"Thanks to the dialogue that has been ongoing for over fifty years, we have made remarkable progress, building bridges of convergence rather than walls of division, overcoming centuries-old ecclesiastical disagreements and theological disputes," Patriarch Bartholomew told the Catholic bishops.

He also emphasized that the ultimate condition for unity between Catholics and the Fanar is open hearts and minds for the language of dialogue: "Preserving the hope and courage displayed by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras during their first meeting in Jerusalem in 1964, we must open our hearts and minds to the language of dialogue. This is the ultimate condition for restoring unity among Christians."

At the same time, Patriarch Bartholomew mentioned that "it becomes evident that we still have much to do to bear witness to the Kingdom of God."

Earlier, it was reported by the UOJ, according to Patriarch Bartholomew, the Phanar has always played a decisive role in the unity with the RCC.