Pope Leo XIV is encouraging Christians around the world to look beyond their differences and prepare together for a historic milestone: the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Redemption in the year 2033.
Speaking Tuesday at the Vatican to a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Holy Father emphasized that Christian unity is not simply an aspiration but an urgent witness needed in a world marked by conflict, division, and uncertainty. According to Vatican News, the delegation was visiting Rome as part of the longstanding exchange of visits between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church during the feasts of Saints Peter and Paul and Saint Andrew.
Looking ahead to 2033, Pope Leo expressed his hope that Christians of every tradition would mark the anniversary together.
“May the journey towards the celebration of the second millennium of the Redemption, in 2033, be undertaken together by all the Christian denominations of the world, rediscovering the gift and the call to be witnesses to the Risen One,” he said, according to Vatican News.
The Pope also reflected on his growing relationship with His All Holiness Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, recalling their recent meetings and their shared commitment to advancing Christian unity. He said those encounters strengthened “our common desire to make progress on the path towards full unity amongst all Christians.”
Pope Leo pointed to this year’s commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea as an important reminder of the common faith already shared by Christians. According to Vatican News, he described the Nicene Creed as both “the foundation and guiding principle” for the ecumenical journey.
He explained that the Creed offers “the model of true unity within legitimate diversity: Unity in the Trinity, Trinity in Unity.”
The Holy Father also warned that the need for Christian cooperation has become increasingly urgent amid global instability.
“In an age marked by wars and growing polarization, as well as cultural and social divisions,” he said, according to Vatican News, “Christians—reconciled amongst themselves and united in their profession of the one faith—are called to be a credible sign of peace, making a decisive contribution to the efforts of all men and women of good will to build peace.”
He added that the stakes extend beyond relations between Christian communities.
“In the current situation,” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News, “it is not only the credibility of the Christian message that is at stake, but the very future of humanity.”
The Pope identified several areas where Christians should work more closely together, including promoting peace, ensuring the ethical use of new technologies, and caring for creation. He stressed that these shared responsibilities arise directly from the Gospel.
He also reminded those present that Christian discipleship must always be measured by concern for every human person.
“Our responsibility for the life and dignity of every human being, beginning with the youngest and most needy, is the criterion that will determine our present and eternal destiny,” he said, according to Vatican News.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo thanked the delegation for its commitment to fostering greater unity between Christians and assured them of his prayers. Invoking Saints Peter and Andrew, brothers in both flesh and faith, he prayed that God would continue to guide all Christians with His blessing as they journey toward deeper communion.
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