Pope Leo XIV began a historic four-day visit to Turkey on Thursday, marking a significant moment for Christian unity. During his visit, the pontiff met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, urging Turkey to embrace its role as a source of stability and reconciliation among nations in a world facing ongoing conflicts.
“This land is inseparably linked to the origins of Christianity and today calls upon the children of Abraham and all humanity to foster a fraternity that respects and celebrates differences,” Pope Leo XIV said during his opening remarks. Following his meeting with the Turkish president, the pope traveled to Istanbul, where he will stay until Sunday before continuing to Lebanon.
Honoring 1,700 Years of the First Council of Nicaea
The highlight of Pope Leo XIV’s visit comes on Friday when he will join Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, in Iznik. Together, they will celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, one of the most pivotal gatherings in early Christian history.
This historic council, held in the fourth century, brought together bishops from across the Christian world to establish foundational doctrines that remain central to Christianity today. The anniversary celebration will include an ecumenical prayer service at the ruins of a fourth-century basilica, marking the very location of the original council.
Patriarch Bartholomew I emphasized the significance of this joint event:
“When the world is troubled and divided by conflict and antagonism, our meeting with Pope Leo XIV is especially meaningful. It reminds our faithful that unity strengthens our witness and credibility in facing contemporary challenges.”
A Historic Day in Istanbul
Early Friday, Pope Leo XIV led a prayer service at Istanbul’s Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. The city closed key streets to accommodate the pope’s entourage, highlighting the logistical impact of this significant visit. Despite the traffic disruptions, hundreds of pilgrims filled the cathedral, while many more waited in the courtyard to catch a glimpse of the pontiff.
Ali Gunuru, a 35-year-old Turkish Catholic, expressed his joy:
“It’s a blessing that the pope’s first visit is to our country. The world needs peace, especially in our region. I pray he will help and guide us through these challenging times.”
Visibly moved, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the local Catholic community, saying, “The Church in Turkey may be small, yet it is fruitful. Focus on helping migrants and refugees, who are among the most vulnerable.”
Spotlight on Migrants and Refugees
Turkey hosts nearly three million migrants and refugees, many from Syria, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the Church. Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church’s responsibility to serve these vulnerable populations, praising Turkey’s efforts in providing support.
The pontiff also reiterated the Vatican’s criticism of disrespectful treatment of refugees in other countries, emphasizing the moral duty of governments worldwide to protect human dignity.
Ecumenical Milestone
Pope Leo XIV’s visit underlines a growing Catholic-Orthodox partnership. This is the fifth papal visit to Turkey, following Paul VI in 1967, John Paul II in 1979, Benedict XVI in 2006, and Francis in 2014. By joining Patriarch Bartholomew I in Iznik, Pope Leo XIV continues a legacy of fostering Christian unity while honoring the rich historical and spiritual heritage of Turkey.
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