Pope Leo condemned violence in the name of religion during a landmark event with Christian leaders from the Middle East in Turkey. He urged them to overcome centuries of divisions at the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of a major Church council. Leo highlighted the importance of unity among the world’s Christians, emphasizing the need for reconciliation in a time marked by conflict. The pontiff stressed the rejection of using religion to justify violence, calling for dialogue and cooperation instead.
The ceremony brought together senior clerics from various countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Israel. It took place in Iznik, formerly known as Nicaea, where early church figures created the Nicene Creed. Pope Leo highlighted that humanity is in need of reconciliation and that Christians should strive for peace and unity beyond denominational boundaries.
While addressing the audience, Leo encouraged Christian leaders to focus on peace and fraternity that transcends divisions. The event, attended by hundreds of onlookers, aimed to promote dialogue and a sense of togetherness among different Christian communities. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, also participated and called for moving forward together as believers.
However, divisions within Christianity were evident, as the Russian Orthodox Church, aligned with President Putin, did not attend the ceremony. Leo’s visit to Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country, symbolized a call for peaceful coexistence among different faiths. The pope emphasized the importance of caring for migrants, a key theme of his papacy, urging Catholics to prioritize humanitarian efforts.
In Turkey, Pope Leo engaged with local Catholics and emphasized the importance of solidarity with migrants, particularly those from Syria and other countries. His visit also included meeting with President Erdogan to discuss global conflicts and promote peace. The pope’s busy schedule in Turkey culminated with visits to significant sites like the Blue Mosque.
As Pope Leo prepares to embark on a journey to Lebanon, his focus on peace and unity continues. The visit to Lebanon, a country with a significant Christian population, aims to bring attention to the region’s challenges amid ongoing conflicts. Leaders in Lebanon hope the papal visit will shed light on their struggles and contribute to fostering peace in the Middle East.
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