Pope Leo XIV Bolsters Unity Quest in Turkey

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on a pivotal visit to Turkey, initiating his first full day with an encouraging address to the nation's diminutive Catholic community. He urged them to draw strength from their modest numbers, highlighting the church's vital work with migrants and refugees within the country. This visit is strategically designed to bolster Christian solidarity and further the long-standing endeavor for Christian unity.

The pontiff's agenda includes commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicaean Creed, a crucial moment in Christian history that occurred when the Eastern and Western churches were still unified. This event, set to take place in Iznik, the original site of the Council of Nicaea, will be co-presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual head of Orthodox Christians, underscoring the ecumenical significance of the occasion.

Following his engagements in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Lebanon, carrying a message of peace. His visit to Turkey, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also served to reinforce this theme. As the first American pope, his journey is a significant step in interfaith dialogue and reconciliation.