Ecumenical Patriarch stressed “Path to Full Communion” during visit to Rome

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew began his official visit to Rome on Friday, October 23, 2026, with a series of events focusing on Christian unity, theological dialogue and the path toward full communion between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

The visit followed celebrations in Constantinople marking the 35th anniversary of his election to the Ecumenical Patriarchal Throne.

The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder of Chalcedon, Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia, senior Patriarchal clergy and officials. Metropolitan Polykarpos of Italy joined the delegation upon its arrival in Rome.

Honorary Doctorate at the Pontifical University Shortly after arriving in the Italian capital, Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), where he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Theology during an official ceremony.

Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, delivered the laudatio in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

In his address, entitled “Conciliarity and Communion in the Church,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reflected on the importance of synodality,…