Pope Leo XIV receives Patriarch Bartholomew I

Pope Leo XIV received Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I for a private audience at the Apostolic Palace on Saturday, October 24. According to Rome Reports, the two leaders discussed the international situation and matters concerning their respective churches. During the meeting, the Patriarch expressed wishes for the Pope's recovery following lung surgery on October 13.

The Patriarch's visit began on Friday, October 23, when the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum, awarded him an honorary doctorate in theology. The ceremony was attended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Kurt Koch, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti.

The visit included a pilgrimage to Loreto on Monday, October 26, to visit the Basilica of the Holy House of Nazareth and bless a new icon of the Mother of God. The Patriarch also participated in an international peace meeting in Assisi organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio on Tuesday, October 27. While the two leaders were scheduled to meet at the Assisi event, Rome Reports stated that Pope Leo XIV could not attend due to medical advice following his surgery.