The Presidents of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) presented the revised Charta Œcumenica to His Holiness Pope LEO XIV during a private audience at the Vatican on 6 November 2025. H.E. Msgr. Gintaras GRUŠAS, Archbishop of Vilnius and President of CCEE, and H. Em. Archbishop NIKITAS of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of CEC, shared the document with the Pope in what they described as a deeply touching moment on the common path of Christian unity in Europe.
This audience took place a day after the signing of the revised Charta Œcumenica in Rome, marking a significant milestone for churches across Europe. First adopted in 2001, the Charta sets out commitments by Europe’s churches to closer fellowship, common witness, dialogue, and shared responsibility for the future of the continent.
Several members of CCEE and CEC, along with other representatives of various Christian denominations were present in the audience, demonstrating the shared ownership of the Charta and the desire to deepen cooperation between Christian traditions in Europe.
Pope Leo welcomed the delegation with the words, “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord,” recalling the responsibility to continue the work of Christian unity. He underlined the importance of revisiting the Charta twenty-five years after its first signing, stating, “Certainly, the challenges Christians face on the ecumenical journey are constantly evolving.”
The Holy Father pointed to the changing context in which churches now serve, noting that many Christian communities in Europe “sense themselves increasingly to be in a minority” in societies marked by diversity and new cultural expressions. He stressed the need for openness and welcome, saying, “There are… many new voices to be heard and stories that must be welcomed through daily encounters and closer relationships, not to mention the urgency of promoting dialogue, concord and fraternity amidst the din of violence and war.”
Pope Leo affirmed the spirit of the renewed document, recognising the Charta Œcumenica as a sign of commitment by the churches. He said it “is a testimony to the willingness of the Churches in Europe to look at our history through the eyes of Christ,” and encouraged continued reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide this journey forward.
He also highlighted the close connection between synodality and ecumenism, stating, “In the Catholic Church, the synodal journey is ecumenical, just as the ecumenical journey is synodal.” He welcomed the Charter’s emphasis on walking together, listening, and discernment for a common Gospel witness today.
Looking to the future, the Pope shared his desire to continue strengthening Christian unity at a global level. He recalled his planned visit to the site of the Council of Nicaea to meet and pray with Heads of Churches, saying it is his wish in the Jubilee Year “to proclaim to all the people of Europe that ‘Jesus Christ is our Hope’, for he is both the path we are to follow, and the ultimate destination of our spiritual journey.”
The audience concluded with the Pope’s blessing for the ongoing cooperation between CCEE and CEC. “I renew my cordial good wishes for your efforts, and I give each of you and your loved ones my heartfelt blessing,” he said.
By presenting the revised Charta Œcumenica to Pope Leo, CCEE and CEC reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen fellowship, strengthen Christian witness, and work together for peace, justice, and reconciliation in Europe.
Foto: Copyright Vatican Media
