Pope Leo XIV marked a major milestone during his first foreign trip to Turkey with a historic pilgrimage to Iznik, the ancient site where early Christian leaders convened 1,700 years ago under Roman Emperor Constantine to hold the First Council of Nicaea.

At the 325 AD gathering, at least 250 bishops from across the Roman Empire formulated the first version of the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of faith still recited by millions of Christians around the world every Sunday.

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Historic Ecumenical Prayer with Patriarch Bartholomew

During the visit, Pope Leo XIV joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, in a joint prayer at the site of the council. Together, they signed a declaration promoting Christian unity, a symbolic gesture reflecting reconciliation between Eastern and Western churches that were divided by the Great Schism of 1054.

The pope’s message of unity is part of a broader focus on peace and interfaith dialogue, including calls to help end ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

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Early Day in Istanbul: Cathedral and Nursing Home Visits

Before traveling to Iznik, Pope Leo XIV met with clergy at Istanbul’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, a 19th-century Baroque church in the Sisli district, encouraging Turkey’s small Catholic community to embrace hope despite their limited numbers.

Turkey is home to approximately 33,000 Catholics in a country of over 85 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslims. Many Catholics in Turkey are foreigners, including migrants. The pope emphasized, “The logic of littleness is the church’s true strength,” reminding the community that faith does not depend on numbers or material resources.

After the cathedral visit, Pope Leo XIV also visited a nursing home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order dedicated to caring for impoverished elderly residents.

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Pilgrims and Local Reactions

Excitement filled the streets and interiors of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit as worshippers welcomed the pontiff. Visitors described the experience as overwhelming and inspiring. Leny Jugueta, 50, from Istanbul’s Missionary Families of Christ, said, “It was so overwhelming to meet him. We are so grateful and blessed that the pope is here.”

While many locals celebrated the visit, some expressed discomfort due to religious differences. Suleyman Bulut, 35, highlighted the town’s historical significance for Christians and supported their pilgrimage. Conversely, Hasan Maral, a 41-year-old shopkeeper, found the visit contradictory to his own faith.

Visitors traveled from across the globe to witness the historic events. A Spanish couple drew a large cross on the shores of Lake Iznik, hoping the pope would see it from the air. Though security intervened, their gesture symbolized the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the event.

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Commemoration at Iznik: Remembering the Council of Nicaea

Following the Istanbul visits, Pope Leo XIV took a helicopter ride to Iznik, known in Roman times as Nicaea, to honor the council’s historic legacy. The ecumenical prayer took place near the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos, built approximately 50 years after the council.

This unprecedented gathering highlights the importance of Catholic-Orthodox relations today, demonstrating how shared faith and collaboration can serve as a model for Christian unity in a divided world.

After returning to Istanbul, Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with bishops at the Apostolic Delegation, the Vatican’s consulate, to continue discussions on faith, mission, and pastoral care in Turkey.