Pope Leo XIV has been met with an outpouring of joy and enthusiasm from Turkey's Catholic community, marking a pivotal moment on the first full day of his inaugural papal visit to the nation.
A Rapturous Welcome in Istanbul
Cheers of "Papa Leo" and "Viva il Papa" filled the air both inside and outside Istanbul’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit as the Pope arrived on Friday, 28 November 2025. The faithful greeted him with roaring applause, creating a celebratory atmosphere for this significant encounter.
The Pontiff began his key day by meeting with Turkey’s Catholic clergy and nuns, setting the stage for the primary purpose of his journey: to strengthen Christians globally and advance the centuries-old pursuit of unity.
Commemorating a Foundational Christian Moment
The centrepiece of the Pope's visit is the commemoration of one of Christianity's most pivotal events. Pope Leo XIV will preside over ceremonies marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
This historic 325 AD gathering of bishops produced the Nicaean Creed, a foundational statement of faith still recited by millions of Christians across the world today. The commemoration will take place in Iznik, the original site of the council, located approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) from Istanbul.
A Powerful Symbol of Unity
In a powerful display of ecumenism, Pope Leo XIV will be joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians. Their joint leadership underscores the creed's enduring role as a point of agreement.
Despite historical schisms, the Nicaean Creed remains the most widely accepted creed in Christendom, accepted by Catholic, Orthodox, and most historic Protestant groups. Celebrating its origins is therefore a profound step in the ongoing quest to unite all Christians.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey on Thursday, having previously met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where he emphasised a consistent message of peace.
