Bishop of Constantinople

The Bishop of Constantinople, also known as the Ecumenical Patriarch, is a leading spiritual leader in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Based in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), he holds a special status as a "first among equals" among Orthodox bishops worldwide. His role involves guiding religious doctrine, fostering unity among Orthodox churches, and representing Orthodoxy in global religious and ecumenical dialogues. While he doesn't have centralized authority like the Pope in Roman Catholicism, he is highly respected for his theological authority and influence within Eastern Orthodoxy.