Pope Leo XIV Marks 1700th Anniversary of Council of Nicea in Turkey

Joint Pilgrimage and Commemoration

• 🤝 Pope Leo XIV joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I for a ceremony marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
• 📍 The event took place by a lake a few hours from Istanbul, Turkey.
• 🕊️ The joint pilgrimage was an invitation to honor the memory and legacy of the first ecumenical council.

Themes of Reconciliation and Fraternity

• 🌍 The ceremony occurred at a time when humanity is afflicted by violence and conflict, crying out for reconciliation.
• ✝️ The desire for full communion among believers in Jesus Christ is linked to the search for fraternity among all human beings.

Expanded Participation

• 📜 Pope Francis had initially intended to attend the event shortly before his passing.
• 🌐 Pope Leo XIV decided to broaden the participation to include Protestant churches, ensuring everyone felt welcome.