What does Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Iznik mean for Türkiye, Christian world?

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, is set to visit the city of Iznik (ancient Nicaea) in Türkiye to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. The visit, scheduled for May 24–25, follows the wishes of the late Pope Francis, who had intended to attend but passed away last month.

In his final testament, Pope Francis wrote, "If I am not alive, my successor must visit Nicaea."

A turning point in Christian history

The First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 A.D., was a defining moment in early Christianity. Held in what is now modern-day Iznik, it marked the beginning of ecumenical councils that shaped Christian doctrine for centuries to come.

The upcoming visit has been described by scholars as not only a religious milestone but a key moment in global diplomacy. Professor Massimo Faggioli of Villanova University, where Pope Leo XIV studied, called the visit “a major gesture in both religious terms and international relations.”

Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy at forefront

Associate Professor Tuna Akcay, a leading archaeologist and academic at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubad University, emphasized the visit’s importance for Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy. Speaking to Türkiye Today, Akcay said such events must be carefully managed by cultural intelligence officers to protect national interests and heritage.

“Cultural intelligence is not only about collecting data—it’s about evaluating it strategically,” Akcay noted. “Preparation is essential.”

Potential risks and diplomatic challenges

While the visit presents a powerful opportunity for Türkiye, it also comes with a unique set of challenges:

Political sensitivities

• Nationalist backlash: Some nationalist groups in Türkiye may interpret the visit as an overt religious gesture tied to foreign influence.
• Greek-Turkish tensions: Nicaea’s Byzantine roots could revive disputes over cultural and historical ownership.

Religious and cultural perceptions

• Misinterpretations: Interfaith outreach may be misconstrued as proselytism, raising concerns among conservative groups.
• Narrative balance: Focusing too heavily on Byzantine history may underplay Iznik’s Seljuk and Ottoman legacies.

Tourism and infrastructure pressures

The anticipated influx of international visitors could strain Iznik’s infrastructure, risking damage to delicate archaeological sites. Preparations must include visitor flow management and preservation plans.

Security considerations

Large-scale gatherings raise the risk of protests or extremist threats. Robust security protocols will be essential to ensure safety for all attendees.

Strategic recommendations for Türkiye

Akcay outlined a proactive approach to maximize the visit’s success:

• Showcase multilayered heritage: Highlight Iznik’s diverse past across empires through curated events and exhibitions.
• Encourage interfaith dialogue: Use inclusive messaging to position Türkiye as a cultural and religious bridge.
• Engage scholars: Involve local and international academics to provide accurate, nuanced narratives.
• Strengthen media strategy: Address potential misinformation and project Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy initiatives clearly.
• Reinforce security: Deploy strong but non-intrusive measures to maintain peace during the ceremonies.

Role of cultural intelligence in global affairs

Akcay argues that cultural intelligence is crucial to safeguarding national identity while enhancing Türkiye’s global influence.

“If we want to promote our cultural values and historical heritage on the world stage, cultural intelligence is a necessity,” he said.

May 16, 2025 03:20 PM GMT+03:00