Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the unanimity of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople with the Roman Apostolic See in condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine.
He stated this in an interview with 'The Pillar', the Information Department of the UGCC reports.
The patriarch emphasized that despite the various critics who accuse Pope Francis of insufficient determination in condemning Russia's actions, the Patriarchate of Constantinople highly appreciates his pastoral care for the suffering Ukrainian people. He also noted the Pope's personal involvement in the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the Vatican's involvement in the Peace Summit.
“We, like His Holiness Pope Francis, are unanimous in condemning the war in Ukraine,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch.
While commenting on his relations with the last three Roman pontiffs, Patriarch Bartholomew called them “dear friends and partners in the spread of Christian unity.” He noted the extraordinary charisma of John Paul II, the deep theological thinking of Benedict XVI, and the humility and care for the poor of Francis.
In addition, Patriarch Bartholomew shared his thoughts on the healing of the schism between East and West, which took place in 1054, expressing hope for the healing of the schism between the Churches.
“We pray fervently for the healing of the schism of 1054,” he said.
The patriarch recalled the beginning of the dialogue of love between the two sister churches in the 1960s and the results of the work of the Joint Theological Commission.
“We hope that this dialogue will bear many fruits and will be a decisive step towards the realization of the full unity of the two Churches when God will allow the desire of Christ himself to be fulfilled, that we may 'be one' (John 17:11),” concluded Patriarch Bartholomew.