Pope Leo XIV meets with Christian leaders in Turkey to promote unity

Pope Leo XIV led an ecumenical ceremony in Turkey alongside patriarchs and representatives of various churches, on the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

The meeting took place in the ancient city of İznik, next to the ruins of a 4th-century basilica, where religious leaders prayed together and highlighted the historical importance of the creed formulated in that council.

During the ceremony, the Pope called for overcoming divisions between churches and strengthening fraternity, dialogue, and interfaith cooperation as a path towards Christian unity.

The visit is part of Leo XIV’s first international tour as pontiff, with the aim of promoting peace, reconciliation, and interreligious dialogue, also highlighting Turkey’s role as a bridge between cultures and religions.

The Christian communities present in Turkey, although minorities, received the visit with optimism, considering it a symbol of historical reconciliation and hope for dialogue between confessions.