Catholic-Orthodox Relations

The Latest

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, pictured in 2010.

Benedict XVI marks 10th anniversary of Orthodox leader’s death

Nov 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Metropolitan Damaskinos wrote numerous works on ecumenism. Read more

Pope Francis meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Vatican, Oct. 4, 2021.

Pope Francis thanks God for ‘profound personal bond’ with Orthodox leader

Oct 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The Orthodox leader is marking the 30th anniversary of his election. Read more

A stained-glass window by Lucien Bégule depicting St. Irenaeus at the Church of St, Irenaeus in Lyon, France.

Pope Francis to declare St. Irenaeus a Doctor of the Church with title ‘Doctor of Unity’

Oct 7, 2021

By Courtney Mares

St. Irenaeus is revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Read more

Pope Francis with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople outside the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli Oct. 20, 2020.

Pope Francis tells Orthodox leader: I am confident we will achieve full unity

Nov 30, 2020

Pope Francis told the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Monday that he is confident that Catholics and Orthodox Christians will attain... Read more

Pope Francis gave the Sunday Angelus address and blessing to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on June 21, 2020.

Pope Francis greets Orthodox patriarch after coronavirus cancels annual visit

Jun 29, 2020

Pope Francis extended a special greeting to the Patriarch Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and head of the Orthodox... Read more

Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I in Greece, April 16, 2016.

Pope Francis voices commitment to full communion with Orthodox

Nov 30, 2019

Marking the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, Pope Francis sent a message to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on Saturday, voicing his desire for full communion... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Bartholomew at Domus Sancta Marta, Sept. 19, 2019.

Pope Francis: 'Canon law is essential for ecumenical dialogue'

Sep 19, 2019

By Courtney Mares

In an audience Thursday with members of the Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis said that “canon... Read more

Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I in Greece. April 16, 2016.

Pope Francis explains decision to give relics of St. Peter to Orthodox

Sep 13, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a letter to Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Pope Francis has explained the unexpected gifting of a relic of St.... Read more

Pope Francis speaks with Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel in Bucharest May 31, 2019.

Pope Francis says Catholics, Orthodox bonded by blood of the martyrs

May 31, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Friday that Catholics and Orthodox are bonded by a “shared inheritance” of suffering for Christ from the... Read more

Pope Francis and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church May 5, 2019.

Pope Francis: Catholics and Orthodox are united by 'ecumenism of blood'

May 5, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

In Bulgaria Sunday, Pope Francis said Catholics and Orthodox are united by the blood of the martyrs and the Christians... Read more

Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I in Greece, April 16, 2016.

Pope Francis calls for unity with Orthodox Churches

Nov 30, 2018

On the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, Pope Francis told the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople that while the Holy... Read more

via Unsplash.

Europe will be 'adrift' if it loses Christian roots, faith leaders warn

Mar 3, 2017

Catholic and Orthodox leaders in a joint statement urged Europeans to remember their Christian roots, and to return to them... Read more

Pope Francis 1 at The Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at St. Peter's Basilica on April 3, 2015.

Modern martyrs exemplify true Christian unity, Pope says

Jan 27, 2017

By Elise Harris

In a speech to Catholic and Oriental Orthodox leaders, Pope Francis pointed, as he often does, to the example of... Read more

Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

'We have faced the mercy of God' – An interview with Cardinal Koch

Sep 27, 2016

By Paul Badde

Hundreds of years before Martin Luther broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope in the western world,... Read more

What do Catholics and Eastern Orthodox disagree about, anyway?

Jun 30, 2016

By Carl Bunderson

With the Eastern Orthodox wrapping up their “pan-Orthodox Council” this past weekend, it might be a good time to take... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Dec. 3, 2014 general audience.

Pope Francis prays for more fruitful dialogue after trip to Turkey

Dec 3, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his weekly general audience Pope Francis recalled the activities of his recent trip to Turkey, and prayed that the... Read more

Patriarch to Francis: 'You preach with words, but above all with love'

Nov 30, 2014

By Elise Harris

Head of the Eastern Orthodox Church Patriarch Bartholomew I lauded the humble manner in which Pope Francis exercises his Petrine... Read more

Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew exit the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George following the Doxology Nov. 30, 2014. Photo courtesy of John Mindala/Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Second joint declaration signals new step in path toward unity

Nov 30, 2014

By Elise Harris

In the second joint declaration they have signed since May, Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed their shared desire for... Read more

An exchange of brotherly greetings between Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the conclusion of the Doxology service. Photo courtesy of John Mindala/Ecumenical Patriarchate.

A kiss of peace: Pope Francis receives symbolic gesture from patriarch

Nov 29, 2014

By Elise Harris

In a fraternal gesture Pope Francis asked for the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, who marked a historic... Read more

A banner welcoming Pope Francis hangs in Isranbul on Nov. 26, 2014 ahead of his arrival.

Pope to Turkish authorities: religious freedom a key factor for peace

Nov 28, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis spoke to Turkish authorities on Friday of the need to create a lasting peace – one based on... Read more