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The Pope in Turkey: A Call for Unity, Peace, and Dialogue
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the world is going through an extremely turbulent period, which Pope Francis once described as “a third world war fought piecemeal.” He called on all humanity to pursue dialogue, unity, and peace, stating: “Today, more than ever, we need people who encourage dialogue and implement it with patience, determination, and goodwill.”
Visiting Turkey on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, convened in A.D. 325 to end conflicts, Pope Leo delivered powerful messages of global peace and reconciliation. During his historic visit to İznik, he said:
“Despite centuries of conflict and the establishment of major international organizations, we still live in a time when justice and peace are trampled upon, dominated by economic and military power strategies—what Pope Francis calls ‘a fragmented third world war.’”
Highlighting humanity’s shared values, the Pope remarked:
“We are all children of God, and this has personal, social, and political consequences. Therefore, we must work together to repair the damage done to the unity of the human family.”
Iznik: The City That Changed the Course of History
We find ourselves in ancient İznik, a city where civilizations have intersected and history has been rewritten. As one walks along the serene Lake İznik, past tiled bazaars, floral balconies, and ivy-covered walls, it feels like a journey 1,700 years into the past. Today, İznik stands as an open-air museum, preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations.
Iznik, founded in 316 BC by General Antigonus Monophthalmos under the name Antigonia, was later renamed Nicaea by Lysimachus. Over the centuries, it served various empires—Bithynia, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman—and remained a strategic cultural and political hub. In 1075, it was conquered by Süleyman Shah; in 1331, it came under Ottoman rule, becoming a prominent center of Islamic scholarship and art.
The surviving city walls, mosques, churches, inn houses, and baths bear silent witness to its multicultural history.
The Council of Nicaea and its Role in Christian History
For Christianity, İznik holds sacred importance. The First Council of Nicaea held in A.D. 325, convened by Emperor Constantine, is regarded as a turning point in both Christian and world history.
At the time, theological debates on the nature of Jesus divided the Church. Constantine assembled 218 bishops from across the empire to İznik to restore unity. After heated debates, the Nicene Creed was adopted, officially defining the doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God. Arius’s opposing view that Jesus was only human was rejected.
This council marked not only a theological milestone but also the beginning of a new relationship between Church and State, with bishops returning as both spiritual and state representatives.
In 787, the Seventh Ecumenical Council, also held in İznik, approved the veneration of icons. Therefore, İznik is still considered a city of “unity and origin” for Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants.
Regional and Global Significance of the Pope’s Visit
By choosing Turkey for his first overseas trip, Pope Leo XIV emphasized both history and symbolism. His visit highlighted the Christian roots of the faith while also reinforcing the importance of religious diplomacy, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue in today’s world.
The gathering of clergy—from Catholic, Orthodox, Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Malankara, Protestant, and Anglican traditions—by Lake İznik symbolized not just a remembrance of history but a rebirth of the idea of unity.
Pope Leo said:
“Religion must not be used to legitimize violence or fanaticism. Instead, it should be used to defend peace, cooperation, and human dignity.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew described the council tradition as “the seed of Christian existence,” emphasizing that the goal is not only to remember history but to live the same faith in unity.
Religious Diplomacy: A Bridge from Past to Future
The Pope’s visit carried strong messages beyond the Christian world, extending into global politics.
His visit to Anıtkabir was seen as a sign of respect for secular governance; his meeting with President Erdoğan was considered significant for interreligious and cultural diplomacy. His prayer at the Blue Mosque highlighted the importance of interfaith cooperation and Christian-Muslim dialogue.
This visit underscores a critical message:
Peace is no longer sought only at political tables but also at spiritual ones.
Is Peace Possible?
Pope Leo XIV’s journey from Turkey to Beirut is both a recollection of historical memory and a symbolic hope for regional peace. Yet the pressing question remains:
“Can this call truly resonate in a region shaken by conflicts?”
Today, the Middle East remains the epicenter of wars, displacement, and ideological divisions. While spiritual appeals are meaningful, they must be accompanied by change in politics, societies, and consciences.
Still, the dialogue that began in İznik reminds us—even after 1,700 years—of the same timeless questions:
“Is unity possible? Is peace possible? And can dialogue be the beginning of it all?”