Vatican honors Apostles Peter and Paul with Ecumenical Patriarchate delegation

Pope Leo presided over a solemn celebration of Saints Peter and Paul at St. Peter's Basilica, emphasizing the saints' example as a call for Christian unity and a focus on God. The service marked the annual observance of the apostles, who are patrons of the Catholic Church and protectors of Rome.

An official delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate attended, led by Metropolitan Geron of Chalcis, Emmanouil, president of the Patriarchate’s Committee for relations with the Catholic Church, along with Archimandrite Aetios and Patriarchal Deacon Anatholi Doxastakis. Greece’s ambassador to the Holy See, Despina Poulou, and Cyprus’s ambassador, Georgios Pouliadis, were also present. The delegation is scheduled to meet Pope Leo privately the following day to further strengthen bilateral church relations.