Pope Francis plans Turkey visit to commemorate Council of Nicaea anniversary

Pope Francis has expressed his intention to visit Turkey in 2025 to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which is significant for both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. This council, convened under Emperor Constantine I in 325 CE, was pivotal in the formation of Christian doctrine and resulted in the Nicaean Creed, which continues to be a fundamental declaration of faith for Christians worldwide. The planned visit aligns with the Pope's Holy Year, a rare event that occurs once every quarter-century, emphasizing a time of celebration and renewal within Christianity. The Council of Nicaea’s history is deeply rooted in the relationship between Eastern and Western forms of Christianity, the dynamics of which have evolved significantly since the Great Schism of 1054 that divided the church. Pope Francis hopes to utilize this visit to further engage with Orthodox Christians and promote unity among Christian denominations. The spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew I, has indicated that he also anticipates the significance of this event to strengthen ties between the two branches of Christianity. In previous encounters, including the Pope's first visit to Turkey in 2014, there were efforts to bridge the gap between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, and this anniversary visit could serve as another step in that direction.