On Wednesday, 27 November 2025, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Nicaea in Constantinople at the invitation of His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch, to participate in the celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
Before continuing to Nicaea in Bithynia, Turkey, His Beatitude took part in a major gathering for peace organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome. The meeting concluded at the historic Colosseum, a site sanctified by the blood of thousands of Christian martyrs.
As the keynote speaker, Patriarch Theodoros emphasized the urgent need for peace in the world—not only to protect innocent lives, but to prevent humanity from destroying the beautiful creation entrusted to it by God.
“We must stand together as one family to safeguard life,” he said, “and cease throwing words like bombs capable of destroying centuries of coexistence and mutual understanding.”
He highlighted the essential role of peaceful coexistence among Christians, the pursuit of new avenues of dialogue, and unwavering trust in God, reminding all that the “day” of every Christian is always the preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven.
“My beloved brothers,” he continued, “we stand at a critical moment. This is a time for deeds, not words; for actions, not vague and hypocritical promises. Each of us must assume our responsibilities before God, before history, and before the least of the brethren of the Lord. Peaceful coexistence is our only choice, and it is also the necessary condition for revealing the hidden potential of Christians so that together we may build a better tomorrow for the good of humanity and the glory of the Lord.”
During his stay in Rome, His Beatitude held a private meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The two hierarchs discussed matters of mutual concern for the two ancient Churches, placing particular emphasis on the significance of the Council of Nicaea and the importance of their joint presence at the commemorations.
They underscored the need to deliver a strong and constructive message to a world that eagerly awaits words of joy, peace, hope, love, commitment, faith, mutual understanding, and mutual respect.
Source: Patriarchal Office of Alexandria
