Historic Reunion: Pope Leo XIV and Christian Leaders Commemorate the Council of Nicaea

Pope Leo XIV and prominent Christian leaders commemorated the ancient Council of Nicaea's 1700th anniversary in Turkiye. The gathering emphasized the desire for Christian unity and featured an interfaith prayer service at Lake Iznik, site of the original 325 AD council, underscoring a long-standing quest for reconciliation.

In a historic gathering, Pope Leo XIV joined Eastern and Western patriarchs and priests in Turkiye to commemorate the Council of Nicaea's 1700th anniversary. The site at Lake Iznik hosted an unprecedented meeting in 325 AD where the Nicene Creed was formulated, a creed still recited by millions today.

The event underscored the ongoing quest for Christian unity as leaders from various denominations gathered to recite the creed amidst the ancient ruins. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of overcoming divisions within Christianity, echoing sentiments that unity is within reach.

While Christians are a minority in predominantly Sunni Muslim Turkiye, the gathering at Iznik was met with brief protests but largely proceeded peacefully. The pope continues his journey with an ecumenical focus, highlighting interfaith dialogue and cooperation as pathways to unity, before heading to Lebanon for the final leg of his trip.

(With inputs from agencies.)