Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I Meet in Turkey

Pope Leo XIV met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and several Eastern Orthodox bishops on Friday at a historic location in modern-day Turkey, where their predecessors convened 17 centuries ago to affirm the essential beliefs of the Christian faith.

This gathering, marking the adoption of the Nicene Creed, is seen as a significant step towards what the Pope described a few weeks back as “a path to reestablishing full communion among all Christians.”

“We return to this source of our Christian faith in order to move forward,” the Pope stated.

In his address, the Pope highlighted the lasting significance of the Council of Nicaea. He reflected on the vital rejection of the Arian heresy— a pivotal moment from the 4th century—while standing near the ruins of the ancient Cathedral of St. Neophytos along Lake Iznik.

The Pope emphasized the relevance of Jesus Christ in contemporary lives, warning against the tendency to view Him merely as some kind of inspiring leader or figure, which, he noted, can lead to confusion and sadness.

Earlier, at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Istanbul, the Pope blessed a cornerstone for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, calling out this “new Arianism” that attempts to minimize Christ to just a wise teacher or prophet.

“By dismissing the divinity of Christ, we risk creating a gap between God and humanity,” the Pope explained to the attending Eastern Orthodox bishops. “If God did not become human, how could we partake in His divine life? The core issue, both then and now, is our belief in a God who embraced our humanity through Jesus Christ.”

The Pope reiterated that this profession of faith is crucial for the journey Christians are on toward unity, encouraging deeper engagement with scripture as revealed in Jesus Christ, all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through mutual love.

“We must overcome the division that sadly still exists among us and strive for the unity for which Jesus prayed and sacrificed,” the Pope urged, asserting that reconciling differences will allow Christians to share the hopeful message of the Gospel more effectively.

Meanwhile, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his deep emotional connection to the joint pilgrimage, emphasizing the need not only to remember the past but also to uphold the faith shared by the Nicene Fathers.

He affirmed that the Nicene Creed forms the foundation of Christian existence and should inspire a united quest for greater Christian unity.

Reflecting on the significance of this gathering, he said, “With the zeal for our common faith urging us on, let us strive for the Christian unity that lies ahead.”

As noted by observers, this meeting is particularly timely, given the rising conflicts around the globe, underscoring the call for unity and collaboration among Christian leaders.