Pope Leo Calls for Christian Unity at Turkish Site Where Nicaean Creed Originated

On the second day of his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV joined Orthodox patriarchs on Friday at a historic ceremony held at the site where the Nicaean Creed was established—a cornerstone of Christian doctrine.

A historic gathering for faith and unity

The meeting took place in İznik, ancient Nicaea, where Christian bishops in 325 AD convened the First Council of Nicaea, defining core tenets of the faith still shared by most Christian denominations. The Pope emphasized the importance of unity among Christians, urging believers to "heal the wounds of division and renew our shared witness to faith."

Shared mission and dialogue

Pope Leo met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and other Orthodox leaders to promote mutual respect and dialogue between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The leaders laid wreaths and prayed together at the ancient council site.

In his address, the Pope highlighted that reconciliation requires humility and courage:

"Our unity is not merely a dream of the past, but a mission entrusted to us in the present."

Religious observers noted that this gathering symbolizes renewed efforts to bridge a nearly thousand-year divide between the churches since the Great Schism of 1054.

Legacy of the Nicaean Creed

The Nicaean Creed, formulated nearly 1,700 years ago, continues to unite millions of Christians through its declaration of faith in one God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. By returning to its birthplace, the ceremony underscored how shared tradition can inspire future cooperation among believers.

"The faith that began here still has the power to unite us beyond borders, languages, and rites," said Bartholomew I.

Author’s summary: Pope Leo XIV’s visit to İznik revived historic Christian ties, promoting unity among Catholic and Orthodox traditions through faith rooted in the Nicaean legacy.

France 24 on MSN — 2025-11-28