WorldFri, Nov 28, 2025
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Religious Violence, Urges Global Unity in Turkey
Pope Leo XIV, on his first trip to Turkey, condemned the use of religion to justify violence and fanaticism, calling for unity and dialogue during the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

📌Key Points
- •Pope Leo XIV condemned the use of religion to justify war, violence, or fanaticism during his trip to Turkey.
- •He urged for "fraternal encounter, dialogue and cooperation" and unity among all people, regardless of background.
- •The Pope commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea (AD 325) alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
- •The Council of Nicaea produced the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith still widely accepted by Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant denominations.
- •The visit aimed to bolster Christian unity and promote broader interfaith dialogue, with the Pope warning against global division.
- •Pope Leo received an enthusiastic welcome from Turkey's Catholic community and will continue his trip to Lebanon.
📰Sources (5)
Pope Leo XIV receives enthusiastic welcome from Turkey's Catholics as he opens key day in first trip↗Pope Leo prays for unity at historic Nicaea site↗Pope prays for unity at historic Christian site in Turkey↗Pope Leo XIV begins Turkiye visit with prayers and unity message↗Pope joins Eastern and Western patriarchs at historic Christian site in Turkey to pray for unity↗