Pope Leo XIV engaged in a telephone conversation with Tawadros II, the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria, on May 15, commemorating the 13th Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics.
According to the Vatican, the discussion unfolded in a “cordial and fraternal atmosphere,” with both leaders expressing a shared desire to “overcome any potential obstacles to the dialogue of faith and charity” between the Catholic and Coptic Orthodox Churches.
A significant part of their conversation focused on the imperative to advance peace initiatives in the Middle East. In a letter addressed to Patriarch Tawadros for the anniversary, Pope Leo emphasized the critical importance of ongoing collaboration among Christians to foster peace in the Holy Land.
“At a time when our world is afflicted by so many conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, Christians must, more than ever, strive for full unity so that we may bear witness together to the Prince of Peace,” Pope Leo articulated. He added, “In doing so, we can be confident in the powerful intercession and example of the countless martyrs who have suffered for the name of Christ.”
The Pontiff also lauded the enduring friendship between the Catholic and Coptic Churches, a bond established over five decades ago with the historic meeting of St. Pope Paul VI and Shenouda III. In his letter, Pope Leo conveyed his optimism that ecumenical endeavors would ultimately culminate in visible unity, referencing the recent 1,700th anniversary celebration of the first Council of Nicaea.
“I am confident that the reflections undertaken on the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council will rekindle our desire to achieve the visible unity of the Church — a unity rooted in the one baptism that we profess in the Nicene Creed, and which, I sincerely pray, we shall attain,” Pope Leo affirmed.
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