Eastern Orthodox Church Accepts Pope's Apology

CTC · Site Admin Joined: 06 Apr 2002 Posts: 121

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Eastern Orthodox Christians, has accepted an apology from Pope John Paul II for Roman Catholic involvement in the sacking of Constantinople 800 years ago.

During a visit to Greece in 2001, John Paul apologized for the attack on the city, today's Istanbul, which was looted by Catholic Crusaders. The apology had long been sought by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In a speech Tuesday — the 800th anniversary of the city's capture — Bartholomew formally accepted the apology.

Bartholomew and John Paul have both emphasized reconciliation between the two churches, split since 1054.

Associated Press