“Nicaea and the Church of the Third Millennium: Towards Catholic-Orthodox Unity”
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | Angelicum, Rome
On the final day of the historic Nicaea 2025 International Conference, His Grace Bishop Kyrillos concluded his participation, representing the Coptic Orthodox Church among the global gathering of clergy, scholars, and ecumenical leaders.
During the closing events, His Grace Bishop Kyrillos presented a unique and meaningful gift to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church—an original illuminated manuscript commissioned specifically for this occasion. The manuscript was handcrafted with deep reverence using cotton paper, 24k gold, walnut ink, and gouache. Drawing from both Coptic and Roman visual traditions, the artwork symbolizes the shared spiritual lineage between the Eastern and Western Churches, and the beauty of unity in diversity.
At the center of the manuscript is Pope Leo XIV’s papal motto: “In Illo Uno Unum” — “In the One we are one” — The text includes a powerful excerpt from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127:
“You are therefore many, and you are one; we are many, and we are one. How are we many, and yet one? Because we cling unto Him whose members we are.”
This passage, rendered in both Latin and English, serves as a visual and theological bridge between East and West, and stands as a symbol of mutual respect, shared faith, and the sacred longing for unity among the Apostolic Churches.
Participants were blessed to receive a heartfelt address from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who extended a special greeting to the representatives of the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches:
“In a special way, my greeting goes to the representatives of the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, many of whom honored me by their presence at the Mass inaugurating my Pontificate.”
May God bless every work for the glory of His holy name.
