Iznik: In a historic gathering at the ancient city of Nicaea, modern-day Iznik in Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV led a powerful ecumenical prayer, urging Christians worldwide to strengthen bonds of unity, dialogue, and cooperation in the face of global violence and conflict. The event marked the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, a milestone in Church history that continues to shape Christian faith and practice.
Joining the Pope were approximately 27 leaders from diverse Christian Churches, commemorating the council that convened in 325 AD to address the theological controversy sparked by Arius, an Alexandrian priest who questioned the divinity of Jesus Christ. In his address, Pope Leo praised Patriarch Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, for his “great wisdom and foresight” in uniting Church leaders for this landmark commemoration. He also extended gratitude to all attending Heads of Churches and representatives of global Christian communions for their presence and collaboration.
Reflecting on the significance of the Council, Pope Leo emphasized its enduring call for Christians to personally engage with the question: Who is Jesus Christ for us? He cautioned against reducing Christ to a mere charismatic figure or heroic persona, noting that such misrepresentations can lead to confusion and spiritual emptiness. “If God did not become man, how can mortal creatures participate in His immortal life?” the Pope asked, highlighting the central theological truth affirmed at Nicaea that Jesus Christ is fully divine and consubstantial with the Father, a reality enshrined in the Nicene Creed.
The Pope underscored that the Nicene Creed serves as a foundational expression of faith and a unifying symbol for Christians. He invited believers to deepen their commitment to God’s Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, through mutual love, dialogue, and reconciliation. “By overcoming divisions, Christians can bear a more credible witness to Jesus Christ and His message of hope,” he said.
Addressing the contemporary context of global unrest, Pope Leo stressed that Christian unity is urgently needed in a world scarred by violence and conflict. He called on all people to recognize the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, irrespective of ethnicity, nationality, religion, or personal belief. “We must firmly reject the use of religion to justify war, violence, or fanaticism,” he said. “The true paths to follow are those of fraternal encounter, dialogue, and cooperation.”
Concluding the ecumenical service, Pope Leo prayed that the 1,700th-anniversary commemoration would bear “abundant fruits of reconciliation, unity, and peace.” The gathering ended with a collective recitation of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, intentionally omitting the Filioque, symbolizing a gesture of shared faith and mutual respect among diverse Christian traditions.
The historic assembly in Nicaea reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Council’s message: that Christian unity, rooted in faith and dialogue, remains a vital force for peace and fraternity in today’s turbulent world.