The Latest: Pope Leo XIV to advocate for Christian unity at location where Nicaean Creed was established

Pope Leo XIV reached a significant milestone on his inaugural international trip to Turkey by visiting the location where early Christian leaders convened 1,700 years ago under Roman Emperor Constantine for the Council of Nicaea. At the historic site, now the modern town of Iznik, Leo will join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual head of the worlds Orthodox Christians, in prayer and sign a joint declaration demonstrating Christian solidarity.

The Council of Nicaea, attended by at least 250 bishops from across the Roman Empire in 325 AD, established the initial Nicene Creed, a central statement of Christian faith still recited by millions each week. Eastern and Western churches remained united until the Great Schism of 1054, driven largely by disputes over the pope's authority.

During his November 27 to December 2 trip through Turkey and Lebanon, the American pope has highlighted messages of peace and called for an end to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. On Thursday, he met in Ankara with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, urging Turkey to play a role as a stabilizing force and a hub for dialogue in a turbulent world.

After Ankara, Leo traveled to Istanbul to reinforce his message of Christian unity at Iznik, southeast of the city, while also strengthening interfaith relations with Muslims. His itinerary includes visiting the Blue Mosque and leading an interfaith dialogue in Istanbul.

Popes Second Day in Turkey

On the second day of his tour, Pope Leo XIV will meet bishops and church leaders at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, a 19th-century Baroque church in Istanbuls Sisli district. He is also scheduled to visit a nearby nursing home operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order founded in France in the 1840s to care for impoverished elderly people.

Visit to the Council of Nicaea Site

Following his visits to the cathedral and nursing home, the pope will take a brief helicopter flight to Iznik, known in Roman times as Nicaea. Here, in 325 AD, the historic council formulated the Nicene Creed. Leo will pray alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos, built about 50 years after the council.

Returning to Istanbul, the pope will meet privately with bishops at the Apostolic Delegation, which functions as the Vaticans consulate in the city.

Commentary: Pope Leo XIV's Visit to the Council of Nicaea Site

Pope Leo XIV's inaugural international trip to Turkey has underscored his commitment to fostering Christian unity and global peace. The pope's visit to the site of the historic Council of Nicaea, now Iznik, marks a significant moment in both the spiritual and diplomatic landscape. The Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD, laid the foundation for the Nicene Creed, a central element of Christian faith. By choosing this location, Pope Leo not only highlights the historical importance of the Council but also emphasizes the enduring relevance of Christian unity.

At the heart of this visit is the joint prayer and declaration with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, symbolizing a shared commitment to Christian solidarity. This gesture, set against the backdrop of a region marked by religious and political divisions, sends a powerful message of reconciliation. In the broader context of Pope Leo’s trip, this move fits into his ongoing efforts to bridge divides between different faiths and promote peaceful dialogue, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

As the Pope continues his journey through Turkey and Lebanon, his messages of peace resonate strongly. The visit to the Blue Mosque and the interfaith dialogues with Muslim leaders are reflective of his broader aim to foster interreligious understanding. In a world marked by tensions, Pope Leo XIV’s diplomatic approach seems to place an emphasis on Turkey as a stabilizing force in the region.

While Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey holds deep spiritual and historical significance, it also offers an opportunity for global reflection. The Pope’s efforts to engage with both Eastern Orthodox and Muslim leaders reflect a strategic push to reaffirm the Vatican’s role in promoting peace and dialogue in a fractured world. His actions during this trip signal a clear message: collaboration, dialogue, and unity are key in addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

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• The Latest: Pope Leo XIV to call for Christian unity at site where Nicaean Creed established