Pope Leo XIV approves signing of new Ecumenical Charter

07.11.2025, 11:32

God speaks to and through His holy people, and the new Charta Oecumenica (Ecumenical Charter) signed by representatives of European Churches demonstrates the "willingness of the Churches in Europe to look at our history through the eyes of Christ."

Pope Leo XIV shared important insights with delegations from the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) during their meeting at the Vatican on Thursday, 6 November 2025. This meeting followed the signing of the renewed Charta Oecumenica the day before, as reported by Vatican News.

His Holiness emphasized that the challenges Christians face in ecumenical dialogue have evolved significantly since the first Charter was signed 25 years ago. This shift necessitated a revision of the document to reflect the current situation in Europe and common concerns regarding the proclamation of the Gospel.

"While there are indeed positive and encouraging signs of growth in some parts of Europe, at the same time, many Christian communities sense themselves increasingly to be in a minority. We see new generations born and people arrive from distant lands, bringing with them varied histories and cultural expressions. Therefore, we must listen to many new voices and stories, so that Christians may learn to promote dialogue and fraternity amid the din of violence and war," said Leo XIV.

The Pope affirmed that God "speaks to and through His holy people," expressing His love and enriching them with His gifts. The renewed Charter reflects "the willingness of the Churches in Europe to look at our history through the eyes of Christ."

With the help of the Holy Spirit, Leo XIV believes we can discern "where we have succeeded, times when they have fallen short, and where we must go to proclaim the Gospel anew."

"The Charta not only suggests methods but also insists on companions for the journey and possible ways forward. In doing so, let us always remain open to the promptings and the surprises of the Holy Spirit!" the Pope emphasized, noting that the Catholic Church considers the synodal path to be ecumenical, just as the ecumenical path is synodal.

One of the most significant outcomes of revising the Charter, according to the pontiff, is the ability to develop a "common vision of contemporary concerns" and establish priorities for the continent's future, while embracing an unwavering hope in the infinite significance of the Gospel. This effort can truly be described as a "synodal journey," reflecting a desire to move forward together.

"As you know, I am preparing to travel to the site of the Council of Nicaea to meet and pray with the Heads of Churches and leaders of Christian communities, together glorifying Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is also my desire, in this Jubilee Year, to proclaim to all the people of Europe that 'Jesus Christ is our Hope,' for He is both the path we are to follow, and the ultimate destination of our spiritual journey," emphasized Leo XIV.