Pope Leo XIV Begins First Foreign Trip in Turkey to Mark Council of Nicaea Anniversary

ANKARA, Turkey — November 27, 2025 — Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his first foreign trip, traveling to Turkey and Lebanon to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and to express solidarity with Christians facing persecution in the region, officials said.

The pope arrived in Turkey on November 27, marking the start of a six-day overseas journey. His visit to Turkey includes a significant stop in Iznik, the modern-day location of the ancient city of Nicaea, where the historic council convened in 325 AD. The Council of Nicaea produced the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief shared by Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant communities.

During his time in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to fly by helicopter to the archaeological remains of the basilica where the council met to offer prayers, underscoring the symbolic importance of the event for Christian unity and identity.

Matthew R. Petrusek, Ph.D., senior director of the Word on Fire Institute, told Fox News Digital that the trip reflects the new pontiff’s priorities. He said the pope aims to give hope to Christians living in regions where they face persecution or difficulties practicing their faith. “By traveling to Turkey and Lebanon, I think Leo is telling Christians both in those countries and across the globe, ‘You are not forgotten; the Church stands with you,’” Petrusek said.

Following his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV will continue to Lebanon, a country currently experiencing economic and political challenges. His presence there is seen as a gesture of support to local Christian communities amid ongoing instability.

The pope’s journey is viewed as an early test of how he intends to use the soft power of the papacy to promote unity among Christian denominations and to draw attention to the plight of persecuted believers in the Middle East.

The Council of Nicaea is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Christian history, establishing core doctrines that continue to shape Christian faith worldwide. Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the council’s historic site highlights the enduring significance of these early foundations for contemporary Christianity.

Officials noted that the pope’s trip blends symbolic commemoration with a message to regional governments that persecution and instability affecting Christian communities will not go unnoticed by the Vatican.