Address by H.B. Ignatius IV, Rome (May 12-14)

This article reproduces the address delivered by Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch during his visit to Rome in May, the first official meeting between an Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and the Pope. The text takes the form of a solemn speech addressed to the Supreme Pontiff. The central idea is that Rome and Antioch, both heirs to the apostles Peter and Paul, are called to work together for Christian unity, in a dialogue grounded in shared faith rather than ethics alone. This document makes a twofold contribution: it bears witness to a historic milestone in Orthodox-Catholic relations, and it broadens ecumenical reflection to encompass concrete geopolitical issues, notably the Lebanese crisis and the Palestinian question, affirming that the justice and freedom of peoples constitute an inseparable dimension of common Christian witness.