Iznik, Türkiye
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Pope Leo XIV on Friday condemned the use of religion to justify “war,” “violence” and “fanaticism” and instead urged Catholics to unite their faith and unite others “regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion or personal point of view.”
The Pope commemorated an important church day in Turkey that allows for “dialogue and cooperation” between different communities and called on worshipers to see the humanity in others.
“The entire human race, suffering from violence and conflict, is calling for reconciliation,” Leo said. “There is a universal fraternity between men and women, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion, or personal perspective.”
“Religion, by its very nature, is a repository of this truth, and individuals, groups and people should be encouraged to recognize and put this into practice,” he added.
Leo attended the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in the northwestern city of Iznik, along with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. According to the Vatican, leaders of various other denominations were also in attendance, including the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Protestant Church and the Eastern Catholic Church.
The outdoor event, held near a lake overlooking the ancient underwater cathedral of St. Neophytos, marked the second day of Mr. Leo’s first overseas diplomatic career, where he has advocated for unity, open dialogue, and steps towards sustainable peace on a polarized world stage.
“We must strongly reject the use of religion to justify war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism,” Leo reflected. “Rather, the path we must take is one of fraternal encounter, dialogue and cooperation.”
He flew by military helicopter to Iznik, north of Istanbul, where the first Ecumenical Council was held in 325 AD, a defining moment for Christianity.
This council created the first version of what would become the Nicene Creed, a singular profession of faith that formed the core tenets of Christianity and is still recited by Christians of various denominations today.
Next, the pope will fly to Istanbul, where he will hold informal talks with the bishops of the Apostolic Mission, the home of the Holy See’s representative in Turkey before the capital move.
