Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Unity at Historic Nicaea Site

Pope Leo XIV embarked on his inaugural foreign trip, visiting the historic site of the First Council of Nicaea, where early Christian leaders convened approximately 1,700 years ago. This significant gathering, held in 325, produced the creed still recited in Christian churches today. During the visit, the Pope prayed alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Eastern Orthodox Christians, at the shores of Lake Iznik.

In his address, Pope Leo emphasized the need to reject the use of religion as a justification for violence and extremism. “We must strongly reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism,” he stated. He called for paths of “fraternal encounter, dialogue and cooperation,” highlighting his intent to promote unity not only among Christian denominations but also across different religions and communities.

The Pope’s visit coincided with a broader message on the urgency for unity in the face of global divisions. In a speech alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he warned that the polarization evident in today’s world could jeopardize the future of humanity.

The First Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine, aimed to resolve a doctrinal crisis regarding the nature of Jesus’ relationship with God. Following approximately 250 years of Christian persecution, Constantine’s decision to allow freedom of worship marked a turning point for the faith within the Roman Empire. The council faced significant theological disputes, particularly from Arius, an Alexandrian priest who argued that Jesus, while exalted, was not equal to God. Ultimately, the council affirmed the belief that Jesus is “of one substance” with the Father, a doctrine that remains foundational to Christian belief.

Remarkably, the exact location of this historic council was uncovered only about eleven years ago. Turkish archaeologist Mustafa Sahin revealed that the site had been submerged under approximately eight feet of water until recent archaeological efforts brought it to light. Locals are familiar with the ruins; during periods of low water, swimmers often rest on the stones, now fully exposed as the shoreline has receded.

The unity of the Christian Church persisted until the Great Schism of 1054, which divided Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy due to theological and political disputes between Rome and what is now Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. On the historic site, Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a joint silent prayer over the ruins, acknowledging the significance of their gathering in light of the upcoming anniversary of the council.

In anticipation of this milestone, Pope Leo released an apostolic letter underscoring the creed as a “common heritage of Christians,” reflecting on the context in which it was written when the wounds of persecution were still fresh. On the following day, the Pope and the Patriarch are set to sign a joint declaration, symbolizing a modern expression of unity that resonates with the themes of reconciliation and cooperation highlighted throughout their visit.