At the historic site of Nicaea, Pope Leo XIV gathered with about 27 other Christian leaders to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. This significant event took place during his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye.
During his speech, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew I for his leadership in encouraging Church leaders to join in this celebration. He acknowledged the importance of the Council of Nicaea, held in 325, reminding Christians to reflect on their understanding of Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo highlighted that the Council addressed misunderstandings about Jesus. A priest named Arius had argued that Jesus was not fully divine, but only an intermediary. The council’s decision established the Nicene Creed, affirming the belief in Jesus as “consubstantial” with the Father, a concept that still unites many Christian denominations today.
He urged Christians to think deeply about their faith and avoid simplifying Jesus into just a charismatic figure. “If God did not become man, how can we engage with His immortal life?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for a genuine connection with God through Jesus.
The Pope pointed out that this shared belief is critical for fostering unity among Christians. He called for Christians to embrace their bond and engage in meaningful dialogue, highlighting that overcoming divisions can strengthen their witness to Jesus’s life and message.
In a world full of conflict, Pope Leo stressed the urgent need for Christian unity. He argued that the search for true communion also drives the quest for fraternity among all people, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. “We must reject the use of religion to justify violence or fanaticism,” he insisted, suggesting that the path forward lies in respectful dialogue and cooperation.
This call for unity and peace resonates strongly today, especially as recent studies indicate that over 70% of people believe interfaith dialogue can help reduce religious conflicts. As Pope Leo concluded, he prayed for the fruits of reconciliation and unity to come from their commemoration of this historic council.
At the end of the service, attendees recited the Nicene Creed together, a moment that showcased their shared commitment to faith and mutual respect.
For further insights on the importance of interfaith dialogue in today’s world, you can explore reports from organizations focused on peacebuilding, such as the United States Institute of Peace.
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prayer, christians, Pope Leo XIV, Bartholomew I , anniversary, ecumenism, apostolic journey, Turkey
