Patriarch of Antioch to meet Pope as Antioch–Vatican relations deepen

Patriarch John X Yazigi, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, is scheduled to visit the Vatican at the end of this week, where he will meet Pope Leo XIV and several senior Vatican officials.

During his visit to Rome, Patriarch John X is also scheduled to meet with Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. His program will also include a meeting with representatives of the Community of Sant’Egidio.

The visit comes within the framework of the longstanding and well-established relationship between Antioch and Rome. It is expected to provide a new opportunity for dialogue on Christian concerns and the major challenges facing the Middle East.

Relations between the Vatican and the Patriarchate of Antioch have continued to develop through open dialogue, reciprocal visits, and regular contacts addressing the Christian presence and the future of the peoples of the region.

Since his election as Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Patriarch JOHN X has continued to foster cordial and constructive relations with the Vatican. His meetings with Pope…