Pope Highlights Urgency of Peace Amid Worsening Global Conflicts
Pope Leo XIV used the final day of his Turkey visit to call for unified Christian action in promoting peace as conflicts intensify in several regions. Addressing Christian leaders in Istanbul, he emphasized that violence remains a major global concern requiring coordinated spiritual and practical responses.
He reminded religious communities that building peace demands prayer, commitment and careful discernment, urging believers to adopt gestures that encourage reconciliation and healing across divided societies.
Christian Churches Encouraged to Strengthen Cooperation and Unity
During his visit to the Patriarchal Church of Saint George, the pope called for deeper collaboration between Catholic and Orthodox communities. He highlighted shared history and faith as strong foundations for renewed unity in addressing modern crises.
Pope Leo emphasized that unity does not require domination or assimilation. Instead, he described it as an exchange of spiritual gifts rooted in mutual respect and guided by shared commitments.
Historic Ties with Oriental Churches Acknowledged in Istanbul Visit
Before participating in the Divine Liturgy, the pope visited the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, praising the resilience of the Armenian Christian community. His remarks subtly referenced historical tragedies while honoring the endurance and witness of the Armenian people.
He called on Christian communities to draw inspiration from early Church unity and strengthen cooperation consistent with ancient traditions and shared beliefs.
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Orthodox Leaders Echo Need for Hope and Peace Across Divided Nations
Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I joined the pope in calling for a unified Christian message amid global turmoil. He emphasized that Christian unity is not optional but essential to confronting violence, discrimination and environmental damage.
Bartholomew urged Christians to proclaim hope without ambiguity, stressing that peacebuilding and environmental stewardship require determined action from all believers.
Path Toward Full Communion Continues Despite Remaining Obstacles
Pope Leo acknowledged the complex history between various Christian traditions, noting periods of misunderstanding and conflict. He encouraged persistence in dialogue, stating that difficulties should not deter ongoing efforts toward full communion.
He expressed hope that more Orthodox churches would engage actively in theological discussions aimed at strengthening unity and resolving long-standing divisions.
Environmental Responsibility Framed as a Shared Spiritual Mission
Both leaders emphasized the need for a spiritual and communal conversion to protect the environment. They highlighted the growing ecological crisis and called on Christian communities to model responsible stewardship of creation.
The pope reiterated that environmental responsibility requires lifestyle changes and a collective willingness to safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Rapid Advancements in Technology Raise New Ethical Challenges
A major theme of the pope’s address was the urgent need for responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He warned that technological progress should serve human dignity rather than narrow economic interests.
Pope Leo encouraged Christian leaders to advocate for equitable access to technological benefits so innovations do not deepen social inequality or favor a privileged minority.
