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Pope Leo XIV has joined Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and other Christian leaders in İznik, Turkey, for a historic prayer service dedicated to Christian unity. The event marks the centerpiece of the Pope's first apostolic journey, focused on commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Christian history.
İznik, known in antiquity as Nicaea, was the site of the first ecumenical council in 325 A.D., which produced the Nicene Creed—a foundational profession of faith shared by most Christian denominations worldwide. The joint prayer at this symbolic location underscores a significant step in ecumenical dialogue, bringing together the heads of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
The gathering is a key part of the Pope's six-day apostolic journey from November 27 to December 2, which also includes a stop in Lebanon. The trip's official motto, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism," further emphasizes its central theme of reconciliation. The visit to Turkey also involves diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with the Turkish President at the Presidential Palace in Ankara.
Originally planned for Pope Francis, this inaugural trip by Pope Leo XIV is seen as a commitment to continuing the path of inter-church and interreligious relations. According to a report by the Catholic News Service, the visit aims to reaffirm hopes for peace in the Middle East and strengthen ties within the global Christian community. Observers note that the visit serves as an opportunity to 'revive' the spirit of unity and service, especially in a region with ancient Christian roots facing modern challenges. The enthusiastic welcome from Turkey's small Catholic community highlighted the local significance of the papal visit, which concludes in Lebanon with further messages of peace and solidarity.
