ROME – His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, in Rome, where he was accorded a position of special honor, reflecting his esteemed role as the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian Church.
Seated next to the high altar and ahead of the Roman Catholic Cardinals, his placement underscored the ecclesiastical prerogatives outlined in the canons of the Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Christian Church.
This distinguished positioning aligns with canon 3 of the Second Ecumenical Council (Constantinople, 381), which declares the Archbishop of Constantinople second only to the Bishop of Rome, as Constantinople is deemed “New Rome.” The Fourth Ecumenical Council (Chalcedon, 451) and the Penthekti Council (692) further affirm Constantinople’s equal privileges with Rome, ranking it second in ecclesiastical matters.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy, described him as a “precious brother in Christ” and a “true friend of Orthodoxy.” He praised the late pontiff’s twelve-year papacy, noting, “He was a faithful friend, companion, and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate… leaving behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love.”
The honor bestowed upon His All-Holiness at the funeral is one of many testaments to his global influence. This September, during a visit to the United States, he will receive the prestigious Templeton Prize for his pioneering work in fostering dialogue between science and spirituality and uniting diverse faiths in environmental stewardship.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, called for renewed commitment to amplifying the Patriarch’s message and supporting the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s global spiritual mission. “Let us redouble our efforts to uphold the legacy of this remarkable leader and the Holy Mother Church,” he urged.
The Ecumenical Patriarch’s presence and prominence at the papal funeral highlight the enduring bond between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, as well as his vital role in promoting unity and faith worldwide.
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