Pope Francis has once again expressed his desire to visit Turkey for the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, an idea he first mentioned in June.
During his speech at the meeting of the International Theological Commission at the Vatican, Pope Francis reiterated his desire to visit Turkey to commemorate the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, an idea he first mentioned in June.
In his remarks, the pope announced that next year would be marked by the “Jubilee Year,” adding: “During this Holy Year, we will also have the opportunity to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first great ecumenical council. I am considering a trip there, to Turkey.”
The spiritual leader of Catholics described the Council as “a turning point in the journey of the Church, but also of all humanity.”
On June 28, while hosting a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis had first expressed his intention to visit Nicaea.
The Secretary for Relations with States, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, also referred to this event during a reception organized by the Turkish Embassy to the Holy See for Republic Day on October 28. He highlighted that “Turkey is home to many sacred sites and events in Christian history, including the first eight councils. In this context, we are preparing a very important event for next year’s jubilee celebrations, marking the 1700th anniversary of the first council, held in Nicaea in 325.”
The First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 by Roman Emperor Constantine I, gathered Christian bishops to discuss and resolve key religious issues, making it a pivotal moment in Christian history.
Pope Francis previously visited Turkey in 2014. Before him, three popes traveled to Turkey: Benedict XVI in 2006, John Paul II in 1979, and Paul VI in 1967.
