US EditionPope Leo meets Middle East Christian leaders, condemns religious violence
Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew urged peace and Christian unity at the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, highlighting care for nearly 4 million migrants in Turkey.
- On Friday, Pope Leo XIV travelled to Iznik to pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Basilica of Saint Neophytos ruins and sign a joint declaration.
- Pope Leo XIV began the day at Istanbul's Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and visited a Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home to support Turkey's small Catholic community of around 33,000.
- Inside and outside the cathedral, crowds greeted Pope Leo XIV with shouts of `Papa Leo` and `Viva il Papa`, while he presided over a prayer with Catholic clergy and nuns before departing for Iznik.
- The joint prayer and declaration represented a historic step in the centuries‑old quest for Christian unity, celebrating the council's origins with Catholic and Orthodox leaders and recalling the Great Schism of 1054.
- During the remainder of the tour, Pope Leo XIV pressed a peace message for Ukraine and Gaza and is due in Lebanon on Sunday to continue his interfaith outreach.
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196 Articles
Christian leaders have signed an important document.
Pope Leo XIV meets Ecumenical Patriarch Barolomeo in Istanbul
The pontiff signed a historic and symbolic joint declaration with the Patriach, committing to unity between their churches. As part of his trip, Pope Leo XIV also visited Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque, but reportedly did not pray.
On his first trip abroad Leo XIV met the Orthodox Church leader in Istanbul. With Bartholomew I he wants to promote the community of all Christians.
Leo XIV in Îznik, to commemorate together with the Patriarch Bartholomew and the leaders and representatives of the Churches the first Ecumenical Council of history. He is the first pope in history to...
The Tablet
Though City of Nicaea Is in Ruins, Its Creed Stands and Unites Christians, Pope Says
Pope Leo XIV waves from a Turkish government helicopter when he lands in Iznik, site of the ancient city of Nicaea, Nov. 28, 2025, for an ecumenical prayer service commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media) By Cindy Wooden IZNIK, Turkey (CNS) – Although the ancient city of Nicaea lies in ruins and the geographic center of Christianity has shifted West, Pope Leo XIV and Christian leaders gathered at…
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