Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras meets Patriarch Bartholomew in Strasbourg
Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox minority in Türkiye, during his visit to Strasbourg.
Tsipras attended the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) General Assembly, where he delivered a speech and took the opportunity to meet Patriarch Bartholomew. During the meeting, he extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of the late Archbishop Anastasios of the Albanian Orthodox Church.
The discussion touched on global developments, geopolitical instability, the rise of nationalism, and ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. A particular focus was placed on the protection of minorities and the preservation of Christian communities in the Middle East.
Tsipras emphasized the significance of Patriarch Bartholomew’s initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue and environmental protection. The conversation also revisited the April 2016 visit of the Patriarch to Lesbos alongside Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Athens. That visit had highlighted solidarity with the Greek people's efforts during the refugee crisis and delivered a strong message against xenophobia and hate—a message Tsipras described as more relevant than ever today.
Photo: Iefimerida.gr
