Significant Discovery of Early Christian Artwork in Turkey

In a remarkable find, Turkish archaeologists recently uncovered a fresco depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd, which is being recognized as one of the most noteworthy discoveries from the early Christian era in Anatolia.

The fresco emerged from a crypt located near Iznik, a town of historical significance where the Nicene Creed was established in 325 AD. This site, believed to date back to the 3rd century, was a time when Christians experienced persecution under Roman rule.

Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Türkiye

The artwork features a youthful, clean-shaven Jesus adorned in a toga, holding a goat on his shoulder. Researchers noted to a media outlet that this portrayal uniquely displays Jesus with Roman attributes—quite rare for the region, making the fresco even more significant.

The lead archaeologist involved in the project suggested that this could potentially be “the only example of its kind in Anatolia.”

Pope’s Commemoration of the Council of Nicaea

Pope Leo XIV was in Iznik recently, marking his first official trip abroad since taking up his role in the Vatican. He acknowledged the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which established the Nicene Creed still recited by millions of Christians globally.

During his visit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gifted the Pope a tile painting illustrating the Discovery of the Good Shepherd.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV, along with various Patriarchs and priests, prayed for Christian unity at the historic site where the Nicene Creed was created. The recitation of the creed was described by the Pope as “of fundamental importance in the journey that Christians are on towards full communion.”