To the Delegation of the Lutheran World Federation (1 October 2026)

Pope Leo XIV welcomed a delegation from the Lutheran World Federation on October 1, 2026. During the meeting, the Pope greeted the President of the Lutheran World Federation and General Secretary Reverend Burghardt.

The Pope noted that Lutheran-Catholic relations have matured spiritually and theologically through decades of dialogue. He highlighted the current sixth phase of international dialogue and identified the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification as a milestone in the ecumenical journey. He also encouraged a deeper reception of previously developed texts, specifically The Eucharist, The Ministry in the Church, and Ways to Community.