Pope Leo XIV Visits Turkey to Promote Christian Unity
Pope Leo XIV embarks on his first foreign trip to Turkey, aiming to strengthen ties between Catholic and Orthodox Christians during the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Pope Leo XIV has commenced his inaugural international journey as pontiff, arriving in Turkey to foster Christian unity and commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The visit began with a meeting in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where discussions emphasized peace and interfaith dialogue.
In Istanbul, the Pope is scheduled to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, to mark the historic council that produced the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith. This joint commemoration underscores efforts to bridge the longstanding divide between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
The Pope's itinerary also includes visits to significant religious sites, such as Istanbul's Blue Mosque, and engagements with Turkey's small Catholic community, offering encouragement and support.
Following his stay in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Lebanon, continuing his mission of promoting peace and unity in the region.
Source
The New York TimesFact-checking
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