Pope Leo calls Christians to celebrate 2,000 years of Christ’s redemption in 2033

Pope Leo XIV called on Christians of all denominations to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of Christ's Redemption together in 2033, urging greater Christian unity as the world faces war, polarization, and social division.

Addressing representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople at the Vatican June 30 following the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Holy Father said the anniversary is a shared milestone for Christians around the world, saying it should inspire renewed cooperation among churches in bearing witness to the Risen Christ, according to Vatican News.

“May the journey towards the celebration of the second millennium of the Redemption, in 2033,” Pope Leo said, “be undertaken together by all the Christian denominations of the world, rediscovering the gift and the call to be witnesses to the Risen One.”

According to Vatican News, the Pope welcomed the delegation as part of the longstanding exchange of visits between the Catholic Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. 

Pope Leo also reflected on the recent commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, saying it demonstrated the communion already shared among Christians. He reaffirmed the Nicene Creed as the foundation of the ecumenical journey toward greater unity.

"In an age,” the Holy Father said, “marked by wars and growing polarization, as well as cultural and social divisions, Christians are called to be a credible sign of peace.” 

He added that greater cooperation among Christians is needed to address challenges including peacekeeping, the proper use of new technologies, and care for creation.

Pope Leo said that such cooperation “stems from the Gospel of Jesus Christ itself,” noting Christians have a responsibility to safeguard the life and dignity of every person, especially "the youngest and most needy."

Pope Leo concluded by assuring the delegation of his prayers, asking through the intercession of Saints Peter and Andrew that God accompany all Christians on their journey toward full unity.