Pope Leo XIV Affirms Eastern Churches’ Role in Christian Unity at Jubilee Audience

VATICAN CITY, 14 May 2025: Pope Leo XIV welcomed participants of the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches during an audience on Wednesday morning at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City. In his address, the pope reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to preserving Eastern Christian traditions and promoting global peace. This event was part of the broader celebrations for the Jubilee Year of Hope, which brought together leaders and faithful from Eastern Catholic Churches around the world. The event formed part of the broader celebrations of the Jubilee Year of Hope, drawing leaders and the faithful from Eastern Catholic Churches across the world.

Addressing the gathered patriarchs, bishops, priests, religious, and lay participants, the Holy Father greeted them with the traditional Paschal proclamation: “Christ is risen! He is truly risen!” He praised the Eastern Churches for their rich spiritual, liturgical, and theological heritage, highlighting their vital role in the life of the universal Church. “You are precious in God’s eyes,” Pope Leo declared, while also recognising their steadfast perseverance through both historic and ongoing trials.

“The Church needs you,” the Pope declared, pointing to the depth of Eastern spirituality, which he described as “medicinal” and capable of restoring awe, mystery, and the primacy of God in contemporary Christian life. He highlighted core values such as mystagogy, fasting, intercession, and penitence, urging Eastern Churches to guard these traditions without compromise.

Quoting his predecessors, including Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Leo XIII, the pontiff praised the Eastern Churches’ role as custodians of ancient Christian traditions. He voiced concern over the erosion of these traditions, particularly among diaspora communities, and reiterated the importance of establishing appropriate ecclesiastical structures to preserve their identity abroad. He also requested the Dicastery for Eastern Churches to help him in defining principles, norms, and guidelines whereby Latin Bishops can concretely support Eastern Catholics in the diaspora in their efforts to preserve their living traditions.

The Pope also urged the Eastern Churches to uphold transparency, humility, and unity in their synods and governance. He emphasised the importance of spiritual integrity and detachment from worldly distractions, encouraging the faithful to be “lights in our world”.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to the Eastern Churches for their enduring faith, hope, and charity. He imparted his blessing to all attendees and humbly asked for their prayers of intercession, so that he may carry out his ministry with faithfulness and efficiency.

By Catholic Connect Reporter