Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarch, has paid a visit to Monaco and its Prince Albert II, who welcomed the religious leader known for his concern for the environment at the Palais Princier.
His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who is the primus inter pares or ‘first among equals’ and the nominal head of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, travelled to the Principality on Thursday 19th October to meet and visit with Monaco’s Prince Albert II.
STAUNCH ENVIRONMENTALISTS
The two men have common ground; a strong mutual interest in the environment and protection and conservation issues.
The Ecumenical Patriarch has been particularly outspoken on the subject, which has gained him recognition as something of a pioneer amongst the world’s religious leaders.
Earlier this year, in his annual Message for the Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment, Bartholomew I of Constantinople said, “The struggle for human rights cannot ignore the fact that these rights are threatened by climate change, by the shortage of potable water, fertile soil and clean air, but also by ‘environmental degradation’ in general. The consequences of the ecological crisis must be confronted above all on the level of human rights. It is self-evident that these rights, in all their aspects and dimensions, comprise an undivided unity and that their protection is inseparable.”
Prince Albert’s own actions in favour of environmental causes are well-documented, from the missions and projects led by his Fondation Prince Albert II to the speeches the sovereign has made at high-profiles events, like the recent Climate Week hosted within the context of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, and international conferences, such as COP27.
A FITTING WELCOME
On his arrival at the Palace, the Carabiniers du Prince paid tribute to Bartholomew I, before an official welcome by Prince in the Cour d’Honneur.
The two men then had a tête-à-tête before inviting the other guests, including Archbishop of Monaco Dominique-Marie David, to join. The Patriarch ended the trip by signing the Palace’s register in the Mirror Gallery.
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Photo credits: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco