Ecumenical Patriarch: Church and Medical Science are “partners” in serving life

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Church and medical science during his address at the Church of St. Theodore Tiron in Rome on Sunday, October 25, 2026, paying tribute to healthcare professionals for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Divine Liturgy at the church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, attended by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Polykarpos of Italy, Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia, diplomatic representatives, members of other Christian denominations and religious communities, and numerous faithful.

In his address, Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the Feast of the Synaxis of All Holy Physicians, established by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the pandemic and first celebrated at the Phanar in October 2021.

Recalling the devastating consequences of the pandemic, particularly in Italy, he honored doctors and nurses who served on the front lines, including those who lost their lives while caring for others.

“The Church and medical science are not opponents, but partners in the service of life,” he stressed.

Addressing…