A landmark and historic election, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, in a post on social media, calls the elevation for the first time of a Pontiff of U.S. descent.

As he notes, the ministry of Pope Leo XIV and 267th Bishop of Rome is deeply inspired by the example of Pope Francis and resonates perfectly with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s ongoing commitment to ecumenical dialogue, reconciliation and care for our weakest and most vulnerable fellow human beings.

At this significant moment, he concludes, we renew our unwavering commitment to strengthening dialogue and communion in Christ among our Churches, guided by humility, tolerance and mutual respect.