Coptic Orthodox Church Resumes Theological Dialogue with Rome Following Assurances on Homosexual Blessings

The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, under the leadership of Pope Tawadros II, convened on May 22, 2026, at the Logos Centre of St. Bishoy Monastery in Wadi El-Natrun, Egypt. During the meeting, the Synod officially decided to resume theological dialogue with the Catholic Church, ending a two-year suspension. This decision followed the publication in March 2024 of the Catholic Church’s Fiducia Supplicans declaration, which outlined the possibility of blessings for individuals in so-called “irregular” situations, including same-sex couples. The Coptic bishops had previously expressed deep concerns over this, leading to the suspension of dialogue.

In their official statement of March 7, 2024, the Coptic bishops affirmed their rejection of all forms of homosexual relations and declared that any blessing of such relations, regardless of form, constitutes a blessing of sin. They also announced the suspension of theological dialogue with Rome and the re-evaluation of over two decades of discussions. Two years later, the Coptic Church’s decision to resume dialogue marked a significant shift, emphasizing doctrinal fidelity and the importance of maintaining unity in faith.

The resumption of dialogue was announced in a communiqué following the annual plenary session of the Holy Synod. The text stated that the decision was based on assurances regarding the non-blessing of same-sex couples, which were conveyed during a telephone conversation between Pope Tawadros II and Pope Leo XIV on May 15, 2026. This marked the first time since the Fiducia Supplicans controversy that the Coptic Church directly linked the resumption of dialogue with Rome to these assurances.

The communiqué emphasized the Coptic Church’s commitment to dialogue rooted in fidelity to apostolic teaching. For Coptic officials, the issue was framed as deeply doctrinal rather than disciplinary or diplomatic. While the text did not elaborate on the content of the conversation between the two popes or the specifics of the assurances, it indicated that these were deemed sufficient by the Coptic bishops to justify the resumption of theological dialogue.

This development is seen as one of the first ecumenical successes of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. Since his election, the new pope has sought to re-establish ties with Eastern Churches, many of which had expressed unease following the publication of Fiducia Supplicans. The resumption of dialogue with the Coptic Orthodox Church reflects a broader effort to address concerns and foster mutual understanding among Christian traditions.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)