Phanar delegation attends solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
Metropolitan Emmanuel led the Phanar delegation at the celebration honoring the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome.
On June 29, 2026, representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople took part in the patronal feast in the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV called for seeking compromise for the sake of unity. This was reported by the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The official Phanar delegation was headed by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, who oversees relations with the Roman Catholic Church. In St. Peter’s Basilica, representatives of Patriarch Bartholomew attended the solemn service in honor of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
During the Mass, the pontiff addressed the guests with a call to seek common “points of contact” and mutual enrichment.
“The example of Peter is a call to every Christian to contribute to the building of unity, to make God the central point of reference in life, and always to walk side by side with our brothers,” the pontiff stressed.
In addition to Metropolitan Emmanuel, the delegation to Rome included the director of the Patriarch’s private office, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, and Patriarchal Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis. The delegation is scheduled to have a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV tomorrow.
As the UOJ reported, the Patriarch of Constantinople held talks with Anglicans in Istanbul.
