Patriarch Bartholomew: Pope Francis and I share the same stance on condemning the war in Ukraine
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the unanimity of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople with the Roman Apostolic See in condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center. Image: Yadvashem.org
He said this in an interview with The Pillar.
The Patriarch emphasized that, despite the various voices of critics who accuse Pope Francis of not being resolute enough in condemning Russia’s actions, the Patriarchate of Constantinople highly values 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. Moreover, he recalled that “the Pope also spoke sharply in his address to Moscow Patriarch Kirill, calling him ‘President Putin’s altar-boy’.”
“Both His Holiness Pope Francis and ourselves are on the same line regarding the condemnation of the war in Ukraine,” stated the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Commenting on his relationship with the last three popes, Patriarch Bartholomew called them “dear friends and partners in the promotion of Christian unity.” He highlighted John Paul II’s extraordinary charisma, Benedict XVI’s deep theological mind, and Francis’ humility and care for the poor.
Additionally, Patriarch Bartholomew shared his thoughts on the healing of the schism between the East and the West that took place in 1054, expressing hope for the healing of the schism between the Churches.
“We certainly pray intensely for the healing of the 1054 schism,” 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 Mixed Theological Commission.
“We hope that this dialogue will bear much fruit and will be a concrete step forward towards the realization of the full unity of the two Churches, when God permits, so that the desire of Christ Himself to be fulfilled, that we ‘may be one’ (John 17:11),” concluded Patriarch Bartholomew.
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