The relationship between Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church they experience in their Centuries of key issues with the gap continuing. In recent years the friendly relationship of Pope Francis with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, He brought the two doctrines nearby, even planning to take an important historical initiative: the Easter celebration on the same date from the East and the West. This would be done next month at Nice Summitsomething that for the time being due to the death of the Pope is hovering.
THE Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had a friendly and constructive relationship, often meeting to promote unity between Roman Catholic and Orthodox
Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew
From the first period of their patriarchy and their Pontiff, the Bartholomew and Pope Francis They gave clear messages in favor of dialogue and brotherhood. Their meeting in Jerusalem in 2014, in the place where their Prefects (Athinagoras and Paul V ‘) met in 1964, was symbolic and practical: Enhancing unity between the two churches and jointly testimony in the modern world.
Since then, they have met repeatedly, while the Patriarch has participated in major Vatican events, such as the environment for the environment and the prayer for peace. The Pope, in turn, has honored the Mother Church of Constantinople, making warm references to Bartholomew’s work on Ecology, Peace and Human Rights.
Common Easter – a step towards the section?
At the heart of the last contacts of the two men is the idea of a common Easter celebration. Although all Christian churches honor the Resurrection of Christ as the top event of their faith, the date of the celebration varies – sometimes up to five weeks – due to the different calendar (Gregorian and Julian) and the calculations of spring equinox.
Recently, both the Pope and the Patriarch have expressed the desire for a single celebration. THE Pope Francis, In fact, he had stated characteristics: “It is a shame that Christians do not celebrate the resurrection of the Lord on the same day.”showing his personal commitment to the issue.
To New Meeting: In 2025 as a milestone
In 2025 it is 1,700 years since the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD), which – among other things – set the criteria for the Easter celebration. This is considered a unique opportunity for a common statement or even a common function between Catholics and Orthodox, in a place that will have a strong symbolism.
According to information circulating in ecclesiastical circles, the two leaders may meet either in the Vatican or in the Fanari, with the possibility of a common presence in Nice or Jerusalem not excluded. The aim is to issue a joint declaration of unity and acceptance of a fixed date for Easter in the future.
A message to the world
The possible meeting and the initiative for an Easter public are not limited to the ritual. They are a deep message to a divided world: how religious leaders can overcome centuries -old differences and offer patterns of reconciliation, unity and hope.
As it approaches 2025, the eyes turn to this new historical opportunity. The question that remains is: Will the resurrection light be able to unite the East and West again?