Pope Leo XIV traveling: Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea 2025!

Pope Leo XIV traveling: Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea 2025!

Pope Leo XIV is planning his first major trip to Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea I, which took place in 325 AD. This trip is scheduled for the end of May 2025, with the exact deadline falling on May 24th, as nachrichten.at reported. The ancient city of Nicaea, now known as Iznik, is located about 90 km southeast of Istanbul. The council, considered the first ecumenical council in history, was significant in clarifying the nature of Jesus Christ and led to the formulation of the Nicene Creed.

The trip was originally planned by Pope Francis, but he had to withdraw due to his hospitalization in February 2025. Leo The desire for unity becomes particularly clear against the background of worldly challenges and current war events, as the Pope himself emphasizes.

Anniversary celebrations and significance

On May 20, 2025, the Christian world will commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the opening of the Council of Nicaea. Vatican.va highlights the relevance of these celebrations, which take place in the context of the Holy Year under the motto “Christ, our hope”. To mark this anniversary, the International Theological Commission will publish a document entitled "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. 1700 Years of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea." The aim of this document is to emphasize the paramount importance of the Council and the Creed.

The celebrations are intended not only to honor the historical relevance, but also to serve as an incentive for evangelization and social engagement. A day of study on the document will be held in Rome to serve to deepen the faith and community of Christians.

Planned trips and invitations

Aside from Turkey, it remains unclear whether Leo XIV will undertake much travel. When asked about a visit to the US, he replied: “Not immediately.” However, he does not rule out a trip to Peru, his adopted homeland. There is also an official invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Kiev to support peace efforts. Zelensky has stressed that a pope's visit would bring hope for the Ukrainian people.

In addition, Leo XIV is considering a possible trip to the pilgrimage site of Fatima in Portugal, which was originally planned by Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. This shows that the new pontiff's focus is not only on the celebrations of the Council of Nicaea, but also on the challenges and hopes that currently concern the global Christian community.