Istanbul: On the third day of his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn Holy Mass at the Volkswagen Arena, urging the faithful to become active builders of unity at a time when religion is too often distorted to fuel conflict and violence. The celebration took place on the eve of the Feast of Saint Andrew, the Apostle and Patron of the land, and just as the global Church enters the Advent season a period of hopeful anticipation for the birth of Christ.
Addressing the thousands gathered, Pope Leo reflected on the significance of the First Sunday of Advent, which falls on 30 November. He reminded the faithful that the season calls Christians to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ, “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father” a truth defined 1,700 years ago at the Council of Nicaea. This historic anniversary is a central theme of the Pope’s pilgrimage to Türkiye.
Drawing from the day’s first reading, Isaiah 2:1–5, the Pope focused on two powerful images. The first is the mountain of the Lord “raised above all other mountains” symbolizing the universal call for all peoples to seek God’s presence. He noted that the city of Zion, set on a mountaintop, becomes a beacon of light for every nation, illustrating how goodness and holiness spread naturally and joyfully.
Invoking the examples of Saints Peter, Andrew, and John, the Pope said their lives demonstrate the transformative force of faith. Quoting St. John Chrysostom, he reminded the faithful that “the beauty of holiness” speaks far more powerfully than miraculous signs.
To influence others, the Pope insisted, Christians must first “keep watch over themselves,” nurturing their faith through prayer, the sacraments, and an honest rejection of “the works of darkness” as St. Paul exhorts.
The second image, taken from Isaiah’s prophecy of swords turned into plowshares, inspired the Pope’s urgent appeal for peace. “In today’s world, this call could not be more urgent,” the Pope said, inviting every person to examine how they might contribute to unity, reconciliation, and peace.
He drew attention to the logo of the Apostolic Journey, which depicts a bridge—a symbol that also evokes the massive bridges spanning the Bosporus, linking Asia and Europe. These structures, the Pope said, serve as a metaphor for the connections Christians are called to build.
Pope Leo highlighted three essential bridges of unity:
1. Within the Catholic community
2. With other Christian denominations
3. With believers of other faiths
The Pope praised the diversity of the Catholic Church in Türkiye, made up of Latin, Armenian, Chaldean, and Syriac traditions. “Each brings its own treasure of history, spirituality, and ecclesial life,” he said, noting that unity does not erase difference but enriches it. Like real bridges, however, these bonds require constant maintenance, commitment, and care.
Representatives of various Christian Churches were present at the Mass, a sign of the ongoing journey toward Christian unity. Pope Leo recalled the ecumenical prayer gathering held the previous day in Iznik, the historic site of the Council of Nicaea. “It is the same faith in Christ that binds us,” he said, emphasizing the need to continue walking together with patience and fraternity.
Turning to relations with non-Christian communities, Pope Leo condemned the misuse of religion as a justification for war and atrocities. He recalled the words of the Second Vatican Council: “Whoever does not love does not know God.”
He urged believers to work actively to dismantle walls of prejudice and suspicion, fostering genuine dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding. “In doing so,” he said, “we become messengers of hope peacemakers in a world yearning for harmony.”
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to embrace Advent not merely as a liturgical season, but as a spiritual challenge. “Let these values become our resolutions,” he urged. He reminded them that the Christian journey is ultimately a pilgrimage toward Heaven and building bridges of unity, peace, and fraternity is part of that sacred path.
Through his message, Pope Leo XIV offered Türkiye’s Christians and the world a compelling vision of hope: a call to transform hearts and societies by building bonds stronger than division, fear, or conflict.