Pope Leo XIV is on a significant pilgrimage to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment in his first international trip. He is visiting the historic site of the Council of Nicaea, where Christian leaders convened 1,700 years ago under Roman Emperor Constantine. During his visit, Leo will meet with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, to emphasize the importance of Christian unity.
The Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD, gathered over 250 bishops from across the Roman Empire. This assembly established the original version of the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that remains central to Christian worship today. The church had been unified until the Great Schism of 1054, which was largely driven by disputes over papal authority.
Throughout his trip from November 27 to December 2, Pope Leo XIV has focused on peace, urging for an end to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza. His itinerary includes meetings with key political figures, including a recent encounter with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. During this meeting, the Pope encouraged Turkey to play a stabilizing role in a world fraught with division and conflict.
Pope Leo XIV’s pilgrimage extends beyond the Council of Nicaea site in Iznik, where he will pray alongside Patriarch Bartholomew. He aims to foster not only Christian unity but also strengthen interfaith relations with the Muslim community. In Istanbul, the Pope will visit the iconic Blue Mosque and preside over an interfaith dialogue meeting.
Day of Reflection and Service
On the second day of his journey, the Pope will begin with a meeting at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, a beautiful Baroque church located in Istanbul’s Sisli district. Following this, he plans to visit a nursing home operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor, an organization dedicated to caring for impoverished elderly individuals since the 1840s.
After his engagements in Istanbul, Pope Leo XIV will take a short helicopter ride to Iznik, known in antiquity as Nicaea. At the site of the ancient council, marked by the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos, he will reflect on the legacy of Christian faith and the importance of unity among believers.
Upon his return to Istanbul, he will hold a private meeting with bishops at the Apostolic Delegation, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in the city. This visit not only underscores Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to his faith but also highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and reconciliation in a world facing numerous challenges.
