Pope Leo XIV plans historic visit to Turkey for Nicaea event

• Pope Leo XIV has expressed his willingness to participate in the celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, set to be held in Iznik, Turkey.
• Patriarch Bartholomew I has proposed the dates of 27–29 November for the Pope's visit, though Leo XIV has not yet confirmed these dates.
• The Council of Nicaea was the first ecumenical Christian council, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his desire to participate in the celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, intended to be held in Iznik, formerly Nicaea. This information comes from sources at the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Bartholomew I, who met with the Pope during an audience, proposed the dates of 27–29 November for the visit. Leo XIV has yet to respond to the proposed dates but has stated his wish to commemorate this historic event.

The Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD by Emperor Constantine, was the first ecumenical Christian council. Its significance for the Church and Christianity is immeasurable, as it established many fundamental tenets of faith. Pope Francis had previously planned a trip to Turkey for this anniversary, but now Leo XIV intends to mark this occasion.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey for the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea holds great symbolic importance. It is an opportunity to highlight Christian unity and foster dialogue between different church traditions. The celebrations in Iznik will serve as a reminder of the historical significance of the Council of Nicaea for the entire Christian world.