In the framework 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 Saint Andrew, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, led the Holy See delegation for the feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Cardinal was accompanied by Monsignor Andrea Palmieri, undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity. The Delegation in Istanbul was joined by the apostolic nuncio to Turkey, Archbishop Marek Solczyński.

The Holy See delegation took part in the solemn Divine Liturgy presided over by the Ecumenical Patriarch, His Holiness Bartholomew, in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George (Phanar) and had a meeting with the Patriarch and conversations with the Synodal Commission in charge of relations with the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Sandri gave the Ecumenical Patriarch an handwritten message from the Holy Father, which he read out publicly at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.