In the context of the traditional exchange of delegations for the respective feasts of the Patron Saints - on 29 June in Rome for the celebration of Saints Peter and Paul and on 30 November in Istanbul for the celebration of St Andrew - the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate led by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon arrived in Rome yesterday. He will be accompanied by the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Buenos Aires Iosif and Deacon Barnabas Grigoriadis.

Today the delegation was received in audience by the Holy Father, and then met with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity for the customary conversations; tomorrow, Tuesday 29 June, they will attend the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Pope Francis.