Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation this Friday with Teodoro II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and sent him a letter on the occasion of the Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics in which he reiterated his desire to advance toward the “visible unity” of Christians.
According to information from the Holy See Press Office, the conversation took place in a “cordial and fraternal” atmosphere and was marked by the willingness to strengthen dialogue between Catholics and Copts, as well as by the shared concern for the situation in the Middle East.
During the dialogue, both Christian leaders also expressed the need to promote peace and reconciliation in a region particularly affected by conflicts, persecution, and instability.
Leo XIV insists on the unity of Christians
In the letter sent to Teodoro II, Leo XIV expressed his desire to continue the line of rapprochement promoted in recent decades between Rome and the Coptic Orthodox Church.
The Pontiff recalled that the theological dialogue between both Churches began more than fifty years ago thanks to Saint Paul VI and Patriarch Shenouda III, and highlighted that this work has allowed important advances in mutual understanding.
“It is my hope that this commission can resume its work as soon as possible to respond to Christ’s prayer: ‘that they all may be one’,” the Pope wrote in reference to the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
The situation in the Middle East at the center of the conversation
The war, the persecution of Christians, and the growing instability in the Middle East also occupied a prominent place in the exchange between Leo XIV and Teodoro II.
In his letter, the Pontiff stated that “at a time when our world is afflicted by so many conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, Christians must strive more than ever to achieve full unity.”
Leo XIV also pointed out that the witness of Christian martyrs constitutes today a particularly strong call to unity among the Churches.
Continuity with Francis
The Pope wanted to expressly emphasize the continuity with the pontificate of Francis, stating that he wishes to continue “the noble tradition” of the Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics.
Relations between Rome and the Coptic Orthodox Church experienced a notable rapprochement during the pontificate of Francis, especially thanks to the personal relationship maintained with Teodoro II and various ecumenical encounters held in recent years.
The Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics was born precisely on the initiative of Teodoro II as a symbol of the rapprochement between both Churches after centuries of separation.
A dialogue marked by centuries of division
The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world and became separated from Rome after the Council of Chalcedon in the year 451.
For centuries, relations between both Churches were marked by deep theological and historical divisions. However, in recent decades, important rapprochements have occurred, especially on Christological issues and in the common defense of persecuted Christians.
Leo XIV concluded his message by assuring his prayers for Teodoro II and expressing his desire to be able to meet him personally in the future.