Pope Francis has confirmed his desire to visit Nicaea, now iznik in Turkey, in 2025 to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council in the history of the Church, celebrated in the year 325.
During the audience held this morning in the Vatican with the members of the International Theological Commission gathered in plenary session,the Pontiff declared that he intends to travel to Türkiye as part of the Jubilee Year.
It is not the first time he has expressed this intention. Last June, the holy Father had assured that it is indeed a journey that he wants to make “with his heart”, during an audience with the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in which Patriarch bartholomew participated, who had invited the Pontiff to Nicaea.
The first ecumenical council in history took place from 20 May to 25 july 325 in Nicea adn was attended by bishops from all the regions where Christians were present.
This event was celebrated to achieve the unity of the Church, shaken by the preaching of Arius, a priest who denied the true divinity of Jesus Christ. From this event was born what is known as Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creeda dogmatic statement of the contents of the Christian faith that reflected the faith received and accepted by Christians from the beginning
In his speech this morning, the Holy father underlined the relevance of this past event, which “constitutes a foundation in the journey of the Church and of all humanity”.
He added that faith in Jesus “as the Son of God made flesh for us men and for our salvation”, was formulated in the Council of Nicea “as a light that illuminates the sense of reality and the destiny of all history”.
He also recalled that in Nicaea it was declared that the Son is of the same substance as the Father, a truth that reveals something essential: «In Jesus we can know the face of God and, simultaneously occurring, the face of man, discovering ourselves as children in the Son and brothers among us.”
This fraternity, founded on Christ, becomes, according to the Pontiff, ”an essential ethical task” for believers.
Pope Francis also expressed his gratitude to the theologians of the commission for the work carried out during their Plenary Assembly to deepen the meaning of the faith professed in Nicaea.
The document prepared will be, according to the Holy Father, “very precious for nourishing and deepening the faith of believers and, starting from the figure of Jesus, offering useful perspectives and reflections for a new cultural and social paradigm, inspired precisely by humanity. “of Christ.”
For the Pontiff “it is an exhortation to learn to walk in brotherhood and to be builders of justice and peace. Onyl in this way can we spread seeds of hope where we live.”
Pope Francis also focused his attention on the recent XVI ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, urging theologians to take “a courageous step” and develop a “theology of synodality”:
“A theological reflection that helps, encourages and accompanies the synod process, in favor of a new missionary stage, more creative and daring, which is inspired by kerygma and involve all members of the Church”, stated the Holy Father.
In the same way,he invited us to “put Christ back at the center” to revive hope,a task to which theology is called,”by carrying out constant and wise work,in dialog with all other knowledge”.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
I have a degree in Journalism and Advertising from the CEU San Pablo university of Madrid. Specializing in religious details in Spain since 2015. I have been a senior correspondent for ACI Prensa and EWTN Noticias in the Vatican for two years and am currently a European correspondent based in Spain.
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How does Pope Francis’s approach to ecumenism impact interfaith dialogue today?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Aydin, Theologian and Church Historian
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Aydin! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss Pope Francis’s recent announcement about visiting Nicaea—now Iznik—in 2025. This visit coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council. Why is this event so significant for the Church and for theologians like yourself?
Dr.Aydin: Thank you for having me! The First Council of Nicaea was pivotal in shaping early Christian doctrine. It addressed crucial topics like the nature of Christ and established the Nicene Creed, which is still recited in Christian liturgies today. Pope Francis’s intention to commemorate this event shows his recognition of the Church’s historical roots and the importance of unity among Christians.
Editor: It’s engaging to think about the historical implications of such a visit. How do you think this event aligns with Pope Francis’s broader goals for the Church, especially in terms of ecumenism?
Dr. Aydin: Absolutely.Pope Francis has been a champion of ecumenical dialogue and reconciliation among different Christian denominations. By visiting Nicaea,he emphasizes the importance of returning to our shared foundations and encourages discussions on unity rather than division. It’s a strong message of peace and collaboration in today’s often fragmented religious landscape.
Editor: You mentioned that this isn’t the first time Pope Francis has expressed a desire to visit Nicaea. Why do you think it has taken so long for him to articulate this intention more concretely?
Dr. Aydin: There are many factors at play. Papal visits require extensive planning—not just logistics, but also diplomatic considerations in regions with complex socio-political landscapes.Pope Francis may also have wanted to ensure the context was appropriate before making such a significant trip. The upcoming Jubilee Year provides an excellent opportunity, as it adds a festive and reflective layer to the visit.
editor: That makes sense.Speaking of the Jubilee Year, how might this commemoration inspire the faithful, both in Turkey and globally?
Dr. Aydin: The Jubilee Year is traditionally a time of reflection, mercy, and renewal. This commemoration could spark a renewed interest in church history and encourage believers to reconnect with their faith’s origins.it could also inspire local communities in Turkey and highlight the country’s rich Christian heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among believers.
Editor: That’s a beautiful perspective. Nicaea holds a unique historical and theological significance, but it also has a geographic importance—especially as a crossroads of cultures in modern-day Turkey. What role do you think this plays in the Pope’s visit?
Dr.Aydin: Turkey indeed sits at a literal and metaphorical crossroads, linking East and West. It’s a significant place for interfaith dialogue, given it’s rich tapestry of religious traditions. By visiting Nicaea, Pope Francis is affirming the Church’s commitment to engaging with diverse religious communities. This visit could open pathways for conversations about coexistence and mutual respect, which are crucial in today’s world.
Editor: An inspiring outlook, Dr. aydin! Lastly, what message do you think this forthcoming visit sends to younger generations of Christians who might feel disconnected from the Church’s history?
Dr. Aydin: I believe it’s a clear message that history matters and that it plays a vital role in our contemporary faith journey. By highlighting significant historical events like the Council of Nicaea, Pope Francis invites younger generations to explore their heritage and recognize the ongoing relevance of theological discussions begun centuries ago. It emphasizes that their faith is part of a larger story that still unfolds today.
Editor: thank you, Dr. aydin, for sharing your insights. It truly seems that Pope Francis’s visit to Nicaea offers more than just a commemoration; it’s an invitation to dialogue, reflection, and unity.
Dr.aydin: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this journey unfolds and what it means for the Church and its followers.