Pope Leo XIV has spoken by telephone with Pope Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, encouraging closer unity among Christians at a time of growing conflict and division in the Middle East.
The conversation took place shortly after the annual Day of Friendship between Catholics and Copts, observed on 10 May. According to the Vatican Press Office, the discussion was held in a warm and brotherly spirit, with both leaders expressing a shared commitment to peace, reconciliation and cooperation in spreading the Gospel.
The Vatican said the two Church leaders recognised the urgent need for Christian unity, especially as many parts of the Middle East continue to face violence and instability.
During the call, Pope Leo stressed that unity among Christians should not be seen as a distant hope, but as an important witness in a troubled world. He encouraged renewed efforts towards dialogue and understanding after centuries of separation and misunderstanding between Churches.
The Day of Friendship was first inspired by Pope Tawadros II and later supported by Pope Francis in 2013. The occasion commemorates the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Shenouda III in 1973, when both leaders signed a joint declaration on Christian belief.
Relations between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church have continued to strengthen in recent years. In 2023, Pope Francis and Pope Tawadros appeared together publicly and honoured the memory of 21 Coptic Christians killed by Islamic State militants in Libya in 2015.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo also sent a message to Pope Tawadros highlighting the importance of friendship between the two Churches. In the letter, he said Christian friendship is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called His followers to love one another sacrificially.
The pope also praised more than fifty years of theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. He expressed hope that official discussions aimed at strengthening unity would continue in the near future.
Referring to preparations linked to the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, Pope Leo said he hopes the occasion will renew efforts towards visible unity among Christians based on their shared baptism and faith.
He added that Christians are especially called to stand together during times of war and unrest, particularly in the Middle East, so they can offer a united witness to Christ as the Prince of Peace.
As Churches prepare for Pentecost, Pope Leo said he is praying for the Holy Spirit to guide Catholics and Copts “in truth and charity” on the journey towards full communion.
Rewritten from reports originally published by UCA News.
