Pope Francis is gearing up for a significant visit to Turkey next year to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of Christianity. This event is not only pivotal for the Pope’s schedule but also marks a historic moment for Christian unity between Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
During his recent address to the International Theological Commission at the Vatican, Francis expressed his desire to partake in the anniversary celebrations, emphasizing the importance of the Council’s outcomes. "The Council of Nicaea... constitutes a milestone in the history of the Church and humanity, as faith in Jesus, the Son of God made flesh for us and for our salvation, was formulated and professed as light illuminating reality and our destiny," he stated.
This is expected to be more than just a religious visit. The Pope aims to extend an olive branch to the Eastern Orthodox Church, reinforcing dialogue and collaboration after centuries of estrangement following the Great Schism of 1054. The Council, held under Emperor Constantine I in 325 AD, addressed key theological disputes of its time and established the foundational Nicaean Creed, articululating beliefs central to Christian faith.
Francis revealed this intention during his conversation with theologians, stating, "I plan to go there,” flipping the page on history and possibly healing some wounds of the past. His remarks were welcomed by Bartholomew I, the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, who had previously indicated his expectation for this joint trip made by both leaders.
The Council, convened approximately 110 kilometers from Istanbul, shaped discussions about the nature of Christ and unity within the Church, laying the groundwork for what would become various Christian denominations. At the heart of it lay the debate against Arianism, which denied the co-eternity of the Son with the Father. This theology is pivotal even today, as it addresses core questions about Christ's dual nature.
This visit will coincide with the Pope’s Holy Year, celebrated every 25 years, where he will encourage the faithful to deepen their engagement with core Christian tenets. Francis passionately communicated the necessity of drafting meaningful reflections on the faith established at Nicaea, which he suggested might feed believers’ spirituality during this Jubilee year.
He noted during his meeting, “Such a document may be valuable... to nourish and deepen the faith of believers and... offer insights for new cultural and social paradigms inspired by the humanity of Christ.” It’s clear the Pope is not just planning to commemorate the past but is aiming to bring forth its relevance for contemporary society.
This will not be Pope Francis’ first venture to Turkey; he paid a visit back in 2014, where he met with Bartholomew, marking the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi’s meeting with the Orthodox leader centuries earlier. Such gatherings signal the Pope's commitment to fostering relations with Orthodox Christians, addressing some of the most significant divides within Christianity.
Turkey, as the host nation, plays its role not only geographically but historically, as the cradle of early Christianity. The Pope's move to acknowledge this pivotal moment can be seen as significant not only for Catholicism but for the wider Christian community. It sets the stage for open dialogues and reconciliation efforts.
Despite considering this trip amid health challenges, Pope Francis remains determined. He recently concluded an extensive tour of Asia, the longest of his papacy, demonstrating his resolve to continue engaging with global communities. The visit to Turkey is set for the end of May 2025, and it promises to be more than ceremonial; it has potential for genuine reconciliation.
Through this visit to mark the Council of Nicaea's anniversary, Francis hopes to cultivate messages of fraternity and peace—echoing the themes of the council itself. "A fraternity, one rooted in Christ, becomes our fundamental ethical task," he noted, indicating his wish for Christians to embrace unity over division.
Overall, whether this visit leads to tangible steps toward healing the historical rifts between Catholic and Orthodox branches remains to be seen; nonetheless, it is set against the backdrop of hopes for increased mutual respect and collaboration within the Christian faith.
