President Barack Obama issued the following statement from The White House on October 20, 2016:

I am pleased to join in paying tribute to His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as he marks the 25th anniversary of his election as Ecumenical Patriarch.

Guided by the teachings of his faith, His All-Holiness, Bartholomew, has long been a pillar of wisdom and enlightenment for people around the world. His work–whether promoting peace and reconciliation, standing for human rights and freedoms, supporting refugees, or encouraging us to be stewards of the one planet we share–has helped transcend divides that have set people apart throughout history. At the heart of his efforts lies a fundamental truth about our common humanity: that it is our sacred obligation to spend our time here on Earth working together to forge a brighter future for all–including for generations that have not yet come to be.

I hope the years ahead bring continued blessings to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s ministry, and I send all those marking this special milestone my very best wishes.