Nicaea, Turkey — November 28, 2025
In an unprecedented moment of faith and history, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV met in the ancient city of Nicaea to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, a defining moment for Christianity.
Gathering at the site where the Nicene Creed was first proclaimed in 325 AD, the two spiritual leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to Christian unity and global peace, joined by Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria, representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and leaders from Protestant and Anglican traditions.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that Nicaea’s power “does not reside in what passes away, but in what endures forever,” calling for renewed faith and collaboration among Christians. Pope Leo XIV echoed his sentiments, warning against “the use of religion to justify war or fanaticism” and urging believers to walk the path of “dialogue and mutual love.”
The historic meeting concluded with a Joint Declaration at the Phanar, pledging continued dialogue toward the restoration of full communion between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches and reaffirming their joint stand against religious violence. Both leaders also agreed to work toward a unified date for Easter, a symbolic and long-awaited step toward reconciliation.
“This reminds the faithful that we are stronger and more credible when we are united in our witness and in responding to the world’s challenges,” His All-Holiness said, reflecting on a moment that will be remembered as a new chapter in the journey toward Christian unity.
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