Vatican Confirms Pope Leo XIV's First Official Trip to Turkey in Continuation of Francis's Legacy

13-05-2025


Pope Leo XIV has confirmed preparations are underway for a significant journey to Turkey, aiming to fulfill the uncompleted mission of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The trip, scheduled for late May, is set to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Christian Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in Christian history. This announcement came during a press interaction in the Paul VI Audience Hall, where the Pope addressed journalists' inquiries about his upcoming travels.

The original plan for this visit was conceived by Pope Francis, who had expressed his intention to travel to Nicaea before health issues intervened. In a gesture of unity, Francis had also extended an invitation to the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, Bartholomew I, to join him on this pilgrimage. This move was seen as a continuation of the efforts to bridge the divide between the Catholic and Orthodox Christian communities, a mission that has been a hallmark of recent papacies.

The choice of Turkey for Pope Leo XIV's first official international trip underscores the Vatican's commitment to fostering dialogue between Christianity and Islam, as well as within Christianity itself. The visit is anticipated to be a landmark event, symbolizing reconciliation and mutual respect. Turkish authorities are reportedly preparing for a historic reception, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic and religious gesture.

This journey not only represents a continuation of Pope Francis's unfinished agenda but also sets the tone for Pope Leo XIV's papacy. By choosing to honor the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the Pope is sending a clear message about his priorities: unity within Christianity and outreach to other faiths. As preparations advance, the world watches closely, recognizing the potential of this visit to open new chapters in interfaith and international relations.

Recommended news

Hawala Method Used by Criminal Network to Launder Millions, Authorities Reveal

2025-05-15T13:43:30.889Z

In a significant crackdown on international crime, Spanish National Police, in collaboration with Europol, have dismantled a powerful criminal network operating an underground banking system. The organization, which utilized the traditional hawala method for money transfers outside legal...

Read more


Vicente Moreno to Depart Osasuna Despite European Ambitions

2025-05-15T13:45:30.006Z

In a surprising turn of events, Vicente Moreno, the head coach of Osasuna, has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, regardless of whether the team secures a spot in European competitions. Moreno, who has been at the helm of the Navarrese club, revealed his...

Read more


Andalusia Seeks Role in National Blackout Investigation After Government Points to Local Power Failures

2025-05-15T13:46:38.154Z

The regional government of Andalusia has announced its intention to join the national committee of experts investigating the causes of the massive power outage that left all of Spain without electricity and mobile networks on April 28. This move comes after the central government identified...

Read more


Tordesillas and Regional Government Stand Firm on Toro de la Vega Celebration

2025-05-15T13:43:51.189Z

The Ayuntamiento de Tordesillas in Valladolid has announced its intention to exhaust all legal avenues to ensure the celebration of the Toro de la Vega, following a recent court ruling that annulled the 2022 modifications to the event's regulations. The local government, led by Miguel Ángel...

Read more


EU Justice Finds Spain's Gender Pension Gap Adjustment Still Favors Women Over Men

2025-05-15T13:44:11.912Z

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has once again ruled that Spain's pension supplement aimed at reducing the gender gap remains discriminatory against men, despite legislative reforms intended to address the issue. This decision underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving gender...

Read more