Iznik, Turkey, Nov 29 (V7N) — Pope Leo XIV joined Eastern and Western patriarchs and Christian leaders Friday at the historic site of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey, commemorating the A.D. 325 gathering that produced the Nicene Creed and praying for renewed unity among Christians.

The Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and other leaders stood over the ruins of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos by Lake Iznik and recited the creed, highlighting its enduring significance in the journey toward full communion among Christian denominations. Bartholomew described the creed as “a symbol not of a bare minimum; it is a symbol of the whole.”

The commemoration featured alternating Catholic and Orthodox hymns and included representatives from Orthodox Greek, Syrian, Coptic, Malankarese, Armenian, Protestant, and Anglican churches. The service emphasized rejecting the use of religion to justify violence or fundamentalism and promoting dialogue, cooperation, and fraternal encounter.

The Nicaea Council, convened by Roman Emperor Constantine in 325, originally brought together bishops from across the Roman Empire at a time when the Eastern and Western churches were still united. While the Great Schism of 1054 later divided them, the Nicene Creed remains widely accepted by most Christian groups worldwide.

Ahead of the prayer, around 20 members of a small Turkish Islamic party staged a brief protest, voicing concerns about national sovereignty, but they dispersed peacefully under police supervision. Local residents expressed mixed reactions, acknowledging the town’s historic significance.

Pope Leo also visited Istanbul’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, encouraging Turkey’s small Catholic community of about 33,000 to find strength in their faith and serve vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees. He met with the Little Sisters of the Poor, who run a nursing home, receiving a warm and heartfelt reception.

On Saturday, Leo will continue ecumenical meetings with Patriarch Bartholomew and other Christian leaders and visit the Blue Mosque before celebrating Mass in Istanbul. The Pope’s trip will conclude with a visit to Lebanon.

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