Ec. Patr. Bartholomew rejects fanaticism in letter to President Trump

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On April 26, 2026, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent the following letter to U.S. President Donald Trump:

“Dear Mr. President,

Having learned with profound concern of the grave security incident that occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., we hasten to convey to You, to the First Lady, and to all who were present the heartfelt prayers and sincere sympathy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

We give thanks to Almighty God that You and the First Lady were kept from harm, and we express our concern for the member of the United States Secret Service who was injured in the course of duty. We beseech the Lord to grant him a swift and complete recovery, and to strengthen all those entrusted with the protection of public servants and the preservation of public order.

Such an act of violence, especially in a setting devoted to public life, communication, and the responsibilities of democratic society, is a sobering reminder of the fragility of human security and of the urgent need to reject hatred, fanaticism, and every form of aggression. At moments such as this, words of division must yield to a renewed commitment to restraint, mutual respect, and the dignity of every human person.

Please accept, Mr. President, the assurance of our thoughts and prayers for You, for the First Lady, for the injured officer, and for the people of the United States of America. May the God of mercy preserve You in safety, grant healing to the wounded, and guide Your nation in justice, harmony, and concord.

With sentiments of esteem and prayerful concern, we remain,
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
the 26th of April 2026
Your fervent supplicant before God,
✠ BARTHOLOMEW
Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch”

> Read the original letter here.