Pope Leo XIV Urges Unity at Historic Nicaea Site in Turkey

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of unity among Christian denominations during his visit to the historic site of the First Council of Nicaea in Iznik, Turkey. This event marks the second day of his inaugural foreign trip, where he prayed alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The council, convened in 325 by Emperor Constantine, addressed critical theological divisions within early Christianity.

The First Council of Nicaea laid the groundwork for the Christian creed still recited in churches today. As the two leaders gathered amid the archaeological ruins of the lakeside church, Pope Leo called for a rejection of violence and fundamentalism, advocating instead for “fraternal encounter, dialogue and cooperation.” In his address, he stated, “We must strongly reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism.”

During his trip, Pope Leo has consistently pressed for unity not only among Christians but also among different religions and communities. In a speech alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he warned that the current divisions in society pose significant risks to the future of humanity. This message resonates strongly with the historical context of the council, which sought to unify a fractured church during a time of persecution.

The First Council of Nicaea was a response to a major doctrinal crisis, primarily sparked by the teachings of Arius, an Alexandrian priest. Arius contended that Jesus was a created being and not equal to God. The council ultimately affirmed that Jesus is “of one substance” with the Father, a declaration that remains fundamental to the creed recited by Catholics today. The creed begins with the affirmation: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty…”

The location of the council was only confirmed in recent years, with Turkish archaeologist Mustafa Sahin revealing its position underwater in Lake Iznik. “It was under about eight feet of water,” he explained to NPR. As water levels have receded, more of the basilica’s structure has been exposed, including its apse and numerous ancient graves, allowing locals and visitors to engage with their historical heritage.

The Catholic Church remained unified until the Great Schism of 1054, which split Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christianity over theological differences and power struggles between Rome and Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. On Friday, Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a joint silent prayer over the exposed ruins, symbolizing their commitment to reconciliation.

Ahead of the anniversary of the council, Pope Leo released an apostolic letter highlighting the creed as a “common heritage of Christians,” penned during a time when Christians were still reeling from persecution. On Saturday, the Pope and the Patriarch plan to sign a joint declaration, further demonstrating their shared commitment to unity in the face of historical divisions.

This visit to Iznik serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and collaboration among diverse faiths, as Pope Leo XIV calls for a future built on understanding and cooperation.