Pope to Orthodox Clergy: The Nicene Creed Unites All Christians

During a meeting with young priests and monks from the Oriental Orthodox Churches, Pope Francis reminded everyone that the faith we profess must always be accompanied by fraternal love and mutual respect.

“The proclamation of our common faith requires above all that we love one another,” said the Holy Father, addressing the delegation of Orthodox clergy during their study visit to Rome.

This was the fifth such visit, organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. Participants included representatives from the Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Malankara, and Syrian Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Pope Francis referred to the visit as an “exchange of gifts,” noting that Christian dialogue is not only about theological discussion but also about living out love as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Nicene Creed – A Sign of Our Shared Identity

This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which established the Nicene Creed – a concise yet profound declaration of the essential truths of Christian faith that unites believers across traditions.

Pope Francis pointed out that the word “symbol” in ancient Greek referred to a token of unity – often a split piece of wood or seal that, when joined, confirmed a shared identity. In the same way, each Christian holds a “piece of the Creed,” and only together do we reflect its full meaning.

“We Christians, though still divided, are like fragments that must be brought together again by professing one faith,” the Pope said.

He emphasized that the Creed is not only a theological statement but also a prayer that connects us with God – and through Him, with one another.

Christian Unity Flows Through Love

The Pope also recalled that in Eastern liturgical tradition, the Nicene Creed is introduced with a deeply meaningful phrase: “Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. ”This, he noted, is not a formality but a call to real spiritual unity, rooted in love.

In conclusion, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the visit of the Orthodox clergy to Rome would become a “living symbol” of the sincere desire for full Christian unity – the unity for which Christ Himself prayed in His final hours.