Pope Leo XIV Commemorates 1700th Anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and Calls for Christian Unity

Commemoration of a Historic Council

Pope Leo XIV marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea on Thursday during a solemn celebration in the modern Turkish city of Iznik, the historical site of the council convened in 325 AD. The council, called by Emperor Constantine, produced the Nicene Creed, which remains a cornerstone of Christian faith today.

A Message of Unity

During his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the spirit of Nicaea continues to call Christians to reconciliation and mutual understanding. He stated:

“The faith proclaimed in Nicaea unites us more deeply than the divisions that still wound the body of Christ.”

The pope expressed hope that the anniversary would inspire renewed dialogue among Christian denominations, urging believers to “heal the fractures that have endured for centuries.”

Ecumenical Presence

Representatives from Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant churches joined the commemoration, highlighting the council’s ongoing relevance for all Christian traditions. In his address, Pope Leo XIV praised their participation as “a sign that the desire for unity still beats strongly in the hearts of Christians across the world.”

Remembering Nicaea’s Legacy

Reflecting on the original council’s purpose, the pope recalled that the bishops convened in Nicaea sought to affirm the divinity of Christ and establish a common profession of faith. He noted that this fundamental unity of belief should continue to inspire shared witness in the modern world.

A Global Appeal for Peace and Truth

Pope Leo XIV also linked the message of Nicaea to contemporary challenges, urging Christians to counter indifference, conflict, and injustice through faith in the triune God. He concluded his message with a call to persevere in prayer and fraternal dialogue:

“From Nicaea to our own day, the mission remains the same: to proclaim with one voice that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Author’s summary: Pope Leo XIV honored the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Iznik, urging all Christians toward unity, dialogue, and renewed faith in shared truth.

more

Catholic News Agency Catholic News Agency — 2025-11-28

More News