[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 201 (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8443-S8444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE VISIT OF ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

  Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the visit 
of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United 
States. As the spiritual head of the world's second-largest Christian 
Church, he is a significant figure for Orthodox Christians worldwide, 
including many within Nevada's nearly 10,000-strong Greek-American 
community. His visit is especially meaningful to that community and to 
all who look to him for guidance.
  As he has done during previous visits, His All-Holiness met with the 
President in the Oval Office and with congressional leaders here at the 
Capitol, meetings that reflect the long-standing respect between our 
Nation and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Congress has also acknowledged 
his leadership in the past, awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal 
in 1997.
  Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the 270th Ecumenical Patriarch 
and the 269th direct successor of the Apostle Andrew. From Istanbul, he 
has spent decades building relationships across faiths, promoting what 
he calls ``a dialogue of loving truth,'' and reminding the world that 
``War in the name of religion is war against religion.''
  I also want to note that during this visit, he received the Templeton 
Prize

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in New York, a meaningful recognition of his work to encourage 
dialogue, understanding, and care for our shared humanity. He now joins 
distinguished figures such as the Dalai Lama and Jane Goodall.
  I am pleased to recognize His All-Holiness's visit and the impact of 
his leadership, both globally and for the Greek-American community in 
Nevada and across the country.

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