Istanbul: Pope Leo XIV, on the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, delivered a stirring message of encouragement to the country’s small Catholic community, urging them to rediscover strength, mission, and confidence through what he called the “Logic of Littleness.” Addressing bishops, clergy, religious, and pastoral workers gathered inside the historic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, the Pope highlighted the deep Christian roots of the region and called for a renewed commitment to service and dialogue in a land where the faith traces back to its earliest foundations.
In his opening remarks, the Pope recalled that Türkiye is a cradle of Christian memory home to Abraham’s journey of faith, birthplace of the term “Christian,” and a land shaped by the theological contributions of the early Church Fathers. But he stressed that this cherished heritage must not remain confined to history books. Instead, he said, it should inspire the present generation to strengthen their faith and carve a fresh missionary path grounded in humility and hope.
Central to the Pope’s reflection was his emphasis on “littleness” a spiritual posture that prioritizes faith over numerical strength or public influence. He reminded the gathering that the Church’s mission has never relied on size but on the steadfast belief that “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” With this perspective, he urged the community small but vibrant to face the future with courage, joy, and renewed commitment. He pointed to encouraging signs already emerging in Türkiye, particularly the growing number of young people approaching the Church seeking answers about faith and meaning.
The Pope then turned to key mission priorities for the Church in Türkiye: deepening ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, strengthening faith formation among local communities, and offering compassionate care to refugees and migrants. Acknowledging that many pastoral workers in the country come from other parts of the world, he underscored the importance of inculturation expressing the Gospel in ways that genuinely resonate within the cultural and linguistic context of Türkiye. He described the presence of refugees and migrants as both a pastoral challenge and a profound opportunity for witness, calling on the Church to continue offering them dignity, welcome, and accompaniment.
Turning to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the Pope outlined three theological challenges that remain strikingly relevant today. He urged the faithful to deepen their understanding of the core truths of the Creed, which he called a “compass” for unity. He warned against what he termed a “new Arianism,” in which Jesus is admired as a historical figure but stripped of His divine identity. Finally, he reflected on the organic development of doctrine, emphasizing that while the truth of the faith never changes, its expression matures as the Church’s understanding grows over time.
As he concluded, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Saint John XXIII, who served in Türkiye for a decade and left behind a legacy of love, patience, and unshakeable missionary commitment. Drawing inspiration from his example, the Pope encouraged today’s pastoral workers to continue serving with humility and courage, nurturing the “joy of faith” and embodying the Gospel through their daily dedication.