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Vatican Head of State Pope Leo XIV on Friday attended a ceremony and interdenominational prayer service in Bursa’s Iznik district to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, held at the ruins of the submerged Basilica of Saint Neophytos on the shores of Lake Iznik.
The visit was part of Pope Leo XIV’s official trip to Türkiye, during which he held meetings in Ankara and Istanbul before traveling to Bursa.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Iznik by helicopter, which circled three times over the remains of the basilica; first revealed in 2014 when water levels in Lake Iznik receded and later identified as having been built in honor of St. Neophytos.
Air, land and lake security units established an extensive perimeter around the site ahead of the pope's arrival.
Pope Leo XIV, joined by Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos and accompanying officials, took part in a prayer service held at the archaeological site where the basilica once stood.
The ruins lie near the traditional location of the First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 by Emperor Constantine and regarded as a foundational moment for Christian doctrine.
The pope described the 1700th anniversary as “a valuable opportunity,” emphasizing the council’s significance for the Christian world.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV reflected on global conflict and the role of faith, declaring that “all humanity wounded by violence and conflict cries out for peace and reconciliation.”
He stressed that the use of religion to justify “war, violence, extremism or any form of fanaticism” must be “firmly rejected,” and expressed gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomeos for initiating the commemoration.
The pope also highlighted the presence of diverse Christian communities across Türkiye, referencing regions such as ancient Antioch and Ephesus, and noted that the apostles of Jesus had once migrated through Anatolia.
Before arriving in Iznik, Pope Leo XIV met with bishops, priests, deacons and religious personnel at Istanbul’s St. Esprit Cathedral, where he reflected on the Christian heritage in Türkiye and thanked international organizations supporting post-earthquake relief following the February 2023 disaster.
Following the Iznik program, Pope Leo XIV will return to Istanbul.
He is scheduled to depart Türkiye on Sunday, Nov. 30, and travel to Beirut as part of his international tour.
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