Pope Leo Praises New Charta Oecumenica as Sign of Unity and Shared Mission Among European Churches

Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with representatives of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), commending the newly signed Charta Oecumenica as a milestone in the ongoing journey of unity among Christian communities across Europe.

The meeting at the Vatican came a day after church leaders from across the continent gathered at the Abbey of the Three Fountains in Rome to sign the updated Charta Oecumenica, a foundational document promoting collaboration and dialogue among Europe’s Christian denominations. The new version was completed twenty-five years after the original charter, reflecting both the continuity of ecumenical efforts and the need to address contemporary realities.

In his address, Pope Leo said the revised document captures the evolving story of Christianity in modern Europe and encourages believers to respond to new cultural and spiritual challenges. He noted that the continent has seen generational shifts and migration flows that have brought together diverse traditions, languages, and histories. These changes, he said, have enriched the Church while also revealing new forms of isolation and decline among Christian communities.

“Although there are hopeful signs of renewal in some places,” the Pope said, “many Christian groups in Europe increasingly experience what it means to be a minority.” He urged Church leaders to remain open to hearing new voices, learning from others’ experiences, and fostering a spirit of fraternity even in times of conflict.

Pope Leo emphasized that cooperation among Churches is not only an institutional goal but also a spiritual calling. He said that in an age marked by social division and war, the grace and mercy of God are essential to inspire authentic witness to the Gospel. “Only divine guidance can help us find the most convincing way to proclaim Christ in our present circumstances,” he said.

Describing the new Charta as a “testimony of faith,” the Pope said it reflects the determination of European Christians to look at their shared past through the perspective of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He explained that the document not only proposes methods of collaboration but also encourages companionship, patience, and discernment in walking the ecumenical path together.

He also drew a connection between the Catholic Church’s synodal process and the broader ecumenical mission, noting that both emphasize listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility in proclaiming the Gospel. One of the most important outcomes of revising the Charta, he said, was the ability of European Churches to find common ground on present-day challenges and to identify shared priorities for the continent’s future.

Pope Leo concluded his remarks by expressing his intention to visit the historical site of the Council of Nicaea, where he plans to pray alongside leaders of other Christian communities. “In this Jubilee Year,” he said, “I wish to remind all people of Europe that Jesus Christ is our hope. He is both the path we are called to follow and the destination of our spiritual journey.”