Pope announces his visit of Turkey for 1700th anniversary of Nicaea Council

The Pope with members of the Theological Commission. Photo: santosepulcro.co.il

On 28 November 2024, Pope Francis announced his plans to visit Turkey in 2025 to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. The pontiff made this announcement to members of the International Theological Commission.

Pope Francis met with the members of the International Theological Commission during their plenary session in the Vatican. He stressed the importance of the commission’s work, which includes developing a document on the "contemporary significance of the faith professed in Nicaea".

The First Council of Nicaea took place in the ancient city of Nicaea in 325 AD, in what was then the Roman Empire and is now the modern city of Iznik in northwestern Turkey, about 70 miles from Istanbul.

"I’m planning to go there," the Pope said.

In his address to the theologians of the international commission, the Pope emphasised the importance of synodality, stating that "the time has come to take a bold step: to develop a theology of synodality, a theological reflection that helps, encourages and accompanies the synodal process, for a new, more creative and courageous missionary phase, inspired by kerygma and including all the components of the Church."

The Vatican has not yet confirmed the Pope’s trip to Turkey.

As earlier reported by the UOJ, according to Patriarch Bartholomew, the presence of Catholics at the feast of the Phanar is a testimony to a "dialogue of life", reflecting a desire "for unity in faith and for sharing in the Holy Eucharist."

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