Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity at Historic First Council of Nicaea

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of unity during his visit to the site of the First Council of Nicaea in Iznik, Turkey, on March 14, 2024. This historic location, where early Christian leaders convened 1,700 years ago, was the backdrop for his prayers alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Pope’s inaugural foreign trip underscored the urgent call for reconciliation among Christian denominations and across different faiths.

The First Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325, was a pivotal moment in Christian history. It aimed to address deep divisions within the early Church, mainly over the nature of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God. Pope Leo highlighted the need to “strongly reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism,” advocating instead for “fraternal encounter, dialogue, and cooperation.” This message resonated strongly at the serene lakeside location, where bishops once gathered to resolve doctrinal disputes.

As part of his visit, Pope Leo participated in a joint silent prayer with Patriarch Bartholomew at the recently uncovered ruins of the ancient church. The site, which lay submerged under approximately eight feet of water until its discovery about eleven years ago, is now visible as the shoreline of Iznik Lake has receded. Turkish archaeologist Mustafa Sahin, who played a key role in the site’s excavation, noted the significance of the ruins to local history and current religious discourse.

The First Council of Nicaea was instrumental in defining core Christian beliefs, particularly in rejecting the views of Arius, an Alexandrian priest who contended that Jesus, while exalted, was not equal to God. The council ultimately affirmed that Jesus is “of one substance” with the Father, a declaration that forms the foundation of the Nicene Creed recited in churches today. The Pope’s address reaffirmed the creed as a “common heritage of Christians,” emphasizing its relevance even as historical wounds from persecutions remain fresh.

Pope Leo’s visit is significant not just for its historical context but also for its contemporary implications. During a speech with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he warned that the current divisions and polarization threaten the future of humanity itself. The Pope’s messages of unity extend beyond Christianity, advocating for collaboration among various religions in an increasingly fragmented world.

The Church remained relatively united until the Great Schism of 1054, which divided Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christianity due to theological disagreements and power dynamics between Rome and Constantinople, known today as Istanbul. As Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew prepare to sign a joint declaration on March 15, 2024, their actions symbolize a modern effort to bridge these historical divides.

Pope Leo’s visit to the historic site of the First Council of Nicaea is not merely a reflection on the past but a clarion call for unity in a world rife with conflict. By invoking the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, he aims to inspire a renewed commitment to peace among all faiths, emphasizing that the paths forward lie in mutual respect and understanding.