Catholic-Orthodox Relations

The Latest

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Orthodox, Catholic representatives issue ‘challenging recommendation’ on interfaith marriage

Mar 8, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

The document recommends that the Orthodox Church recognize Catholic marriage and the Catholic Church take steps to recognize Orthodox remarriages. Read more

"Martyrdom of Josaphat Kuntsevych" (c. 1861) by Józef Simmler.

Ukrainian Greek Catholics observe 400th anniversary of St. Josaphat Kuncewycz’s martyrdom

Nov 17, 2023

By Matthew Santucci

The 17th-century saint is called the “Apostle of Unity” because of his efforts to heal the divide between the churches... Read more

In a speech during a meeting with Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and other Coptic Orthodox representatives on May 11, 2023, Pope Francis announced that the Coptic Orthodox martyrs killed by ISIS in 2015 will be added to the Catholic Church’s official list of saints.

Pope Francis’ emphasis on synodality cited in joint Catholic-Orthodox statement

Jun 14, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

The first joint statement in seven years mentioned the pope’s hope for a synodal Church could eventually bring the Churches... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Vatican, Oct. 4, 2021.

Pope Francis: Restoration of Christian unity is ‘an urgent priority in today’s world’

Nov 30, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Wednesday that the full restoration of communion among all Christians is “an urgent priority in today’s world.” Read more

Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, addresses Pope Francis at the Vatican, May 6, 2022.

What’s the future of Catholic-Russian Orthodox relations?

May 9, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis appears to have burned ecumenical bridges with Moscow. Vatican Cardinal Kurt Koch is seeking to rebuild them. Read more

Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba on Feb. 12, 2016.

Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill: Who could host their 2nd summit?

Apr 27, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A meeting is off for now, but where could the two men eventually meet? Read more

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill (L)

Pope Francis to Patriarch Kirill: Let’s be ‘true peacemakers’ for war-torn Ukraine

Apr 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope sent Easter greetings to the Russian Orthodox leader. Read more

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki with Bartholomew I of Constantinople in Warsaw, Poland, on March 29, 2022.

Orthodox leader and Polish Catholic archbishop pray for peace in Ukraine

Mar 29, 2022

By CNA Staff

Patriarch Bartholomew I is visiting Poland to offer his blessing to Ukrainian refugees. Read more

Epiphanius I of Ukraine and Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk meet on March 23, 2022.

Ukrainian Greek Catholic leader meets head of Orthodox Church of Ukraine

Mar 24, 2022

By CNA Staff

Major Archbishop Shevchuk requested the meeting with the leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Read more

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine, pictured on June 3, 2011.

Catholic theologians are standing up for Ukraine — and so are their Orthodox peers

Mar 15, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The war is exposing stark divisions within Eastern Orthodoxy. Read more

St. Sophia’s Cathedral in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

How the Ukraine conflict is reshaping relations between Churches

Mar 3, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Patriarchate of Moscow appears increasingly isolated. Read more

Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk, Latin Rite bishop of Kharkiv-Zaporizhia, Ukraine.

Ukrainian Catholic bishop is sheltering with Orthodox counterpart in besieged city, says charity

Mar 1, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘I wish for this war to end as quickly as possible,’ Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk said. Read more

Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba on Feb. 12, 2016.

Pope Francis’ second summit with Russian Orthodox patriarch could be held in June-July

Feb 18, 2022

By CNA Staff

Aleksandr Avdeyev said: ‘The place hasn’t been chosen yet.’ Read more

Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa blesses the congregation at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on April 4, 2021.

Holy Land’s Catholic bishops invite Orthodox leaders to contribute to synodal path

Jan 28, 2022

By CNA Staff

They invited their counterparts to share their ‘wisdom and experience.’ Read more

St. Irenaeus depicted in the apse of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

How St. Irenaeus helped save the early Church from schism

Jan 24, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has proclaimed the saint a Doctor of the Church. Read more

Pope Francis meets with ecumenical delegation from Finland on Jan. 17, 2022.

Pope Francis looks ahead to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 2025

Jan 17, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis highlighted the upcoming anniversaries of two major events in Church history as moments that can help Christians seek... Read more

Pope Francis addresses Orthodox bishops in the Orthodox Cathedral in Nicosia, Cyprus, Dec. 3, 2021.

Pope Francis to Orthodox bishops in Cyprus: Let us seek full unity

Dec 3, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The pope urged Catholics and Orthodox Christians to seek ‘ever greater fraternity.’ Read more

Pope Francis meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Vatican, Oct. 4, 2021.

Pope Francis to Orthodox leader: May God prepare us to receive gift of full unity

Nov 30, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The pope sent the message on the feast of St. Andrew. Read more

Archbishop Elpidophoros addresses the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at their fall assembly in Baltimore on Nov. 16, 2021.

Orthodox archbishop makes historic address to USCCB assembly

Nov 17, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, spoke of a “dialogue... Read more

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, pictured in 2010.

Benedict XVI marks 10th anniversary of Orthodox leader’s death

Nov 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Metropolitan Damaskinos wrote numerous works on ecumenism. Read more