Pope Francis to gather in Bari, Italy with other Christian leaders concerning the present situation of Christians in the Middle East.

On July 7, 2018 Pope Francis will gather with other Christian Church leaders in Bari, Italy.  They will address the present situation in the Middle East where war, conflict, and persecution have affected many Christians in that region.  Although the meeting will focus on reflection and prayer for Christian unity, it will also discuss the importance of Inter-religious dialogue.   

Nineteen (19) leaders of Churches (or representatives) have accepted Pope Francis’ invitation to meet in Bari on Saturday.  Among those attending are the following:

1.      The Orthodox Churches

2.      The Oriental Orthodox Churches

3.      The Assyrian Orthodox Church

4.      The Catholic Churches

5.      The Lutheran Church

6.      The Middle East Council of Churches

7.      The Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew

8.      The Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II of Egypt

9.      The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael of Iraq

Although the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill will not be attending the gathering, he is sending Metropolitan Hilarion of Bolokolamsk.