“Indeed, a Pope of American origin has been elected, who took the name Leo XIV. From what I remember during my time in Rome, Leo XIII was distinguished for his social teachings. We hope that Leo XIV will also embrace the Church’s contribution to the world, not only in the social sphere but by offering answers to the existential questions that continue to concern humanity.”
–His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
STATEMENT OF NATIONAL COMMANDER DR. LIMBERAKIS
Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate:
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America have received the news of the election of the new Pope of Rome, His Holiness Leo XIV, with great joy. This appears to be truly a providential choice, with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew coming to this country in September of this year, and the 250th anniversary of American independence next year. Both of these joyful observances and much more will be significantly affected by the fact that the Pope of Rome is an American.
As a longtime and proud resident of Philadelphia, I am also happy to note that the new Pontiff is a graduate of Philadelphia’s own Villanova University!
And so we offer our heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, and look forward to a new period of fruitful cooperation and collaboration with our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has issued an English-language statement on the new Pope, which I urge you to watch here. His All-Holiness observed: “Indeed, a Pope of American origin has been elected, who took the name Leo XIV. From what I remember during my time in Rome, Leo XIII was distinguished for his social teachings. We hope that Leo XIV will also embrace the Church’s contribution to the world, not only in the social sphere but by offering answers to the existential questions that continue to concern humanity.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch also expressed his hope for continuing ecumenical dialogue with Pope Leo XIV: “Since the time of Pope John XXIII and especially Pope Paul VI — and from our side, Patriarch Athenagoras — a new era began in the relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. With the late Pope Francis, we sought, in full harmony and mutual understanding, to continue the Ecumenical Dialogue.”
His All-Holiness announced that he would be attending the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV: “We look toward the new Pontiff with Christian hope. I intend to travel for his enthronement and propose that we advance the dialogue between East and West. May he combine a visit to Nicaea with an official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on the occasion of our feast of Saint Andrew on November 30.”
In his conclusion, His All-Holiness expressed sentiments to which we all fervently adhere: “May he inspire the Church and the world with the universal ideals of freedom, equality, justice, and solidarity. May he help end wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and prevent conflict between India and Pakistan. I hope we can inaugurate a new era in our bilateral relations and in relations between East and West.”
Amen. May the papacy of Leo XIV be the dawning of a new era of Christian unity and a profound fulfillment of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Yours in the joyful service of our Holy Mother Church,
Anthony J. Limberakis, MD
Archon Megas Aktouarios
National Commander
