Alerts Sign-up
Recognizing the essential tenets of faith that Catholics and Orthodox share should be the lens through which they discuss the issues that continue to separate them, Pope Leo XIV said.
"Through theological dialogue and with the help of God, we will gain a better understanding of the mystery that unites us," he told Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic scholars and bishops on June 7.
The bishops and theologians met from June 4-7 in Rome for a conference marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and its implications for future church unity.
Pope Leo began his remarks to the group by apologizing for being late and asking for their patience. "I am not yet one month into the new job, so there are a lot of learning experiences," he said.
Marking the anniversary of the council, he said, is not simply about recalling the past. Especially because the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed still is the basic profession of Christian faith, the council "must continue to guide us towards the full visible unity of Christians."
"By celebrating together this Nicene faith and by proclaiming it together, we will also advance towards the restoration of full communion among us," Pope Leo said.
The pope quoted the Catholic International Theological Commission’s document on the Nicaea anniversary, saying that celebrations represent "an invaluable opportunity to emphasize that what we have in common is much stronger, quantitatively and qualitatively, than what divides us. Together, we believe in the Triune God, in Christ as truly human and truly God, and in salvation through Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures read in Church and under guidance of Holy Spirit. Together we believe in Church baptism resurrection dead eternal life."
"I am convinced," Pope Leo told group "that by returning Council Nicaea drawing together from common source we will able see different light points still separate us."
The Council of Nicaea also set a common date for all Christians to celebrate Easter but pope said "sadly differences calendars no longer allow Christians celebrate together most important feast liturgical year causing pastoral problems within communities dividing families weakening credibility our witness Gospel."
As St. Paul VI and popes since then have done Pope Leo told bishops scholars "I would reaffirm openness Catholic Church pursuit ecumenical solution favoring common celebration Lord's resurrection thus giving greater missionary force our preaching name Jesus salvation born faith saving truth Gospel."
Pope Leo ended audience by asking participants stand as he used prayer from Orthodox tradition ask Holy Spirit gift unity.
The prayer read:
"O Heavenly King Comforter Spirit Truth Who art everywhere fillest all things Treasury Blessings Giver Life Come abide us cleanse every impurity save souls O Good One." Amen.
