Bartholomew: In September 2026 the Halki Theological School opens – What he said about the new Pope

The reopening of the Halki Theological School was mentioned by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at an event held in honor of Thursday afternoon at the « Contemporary Art » Museum of the Basil and Eliza Goulandris Foundation.

As the Ecumenical Patriarch said, efforts to reopen the school are on track and talks with the Turkish Ministry of Education have already begun after the green light lit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Indeed, as CC Bartholomew said, the school is expected to receive the first students in September 2026.

For the new Pope

In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch also welcomed the election of the new Pope, who became known during the event.

« As I was informed, the new Pope was named Leo the 14th. I remember from what I learned in Rome, that Leo the 13th had been distinguished for his social teaching and social work. We also wish Leo 14th to greet the contribution of the Church not only from a social point of view, but to offer the Catholic Church and the whole world answer and the existential problems that are still concerned with humanity today. « 

At the same time, the Ecumenical Patrarch expressed the desire for the young Pope to continue the work he had begun with Pope Francis for the approach of the two churches.

Five -day visit

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is paying a five -day visit to Athens from Wednesday until next Sunday, when he will be added to the Divine Liturgy to be held at the Church of St. Nicholas of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in Kolonaki. Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Mr. Ieronymos, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the erection of the Temple by the Elemon Company.