In a landmark ecumenical encounter, Pope Leo XIV met with Bartholomew I in Türkiye to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea — one of the most important events in Christian history.

The gathering brought together Catholic and Orthodox representatives in a powerful display of dialogue and spiritual unity. During prayers and reflections, both leaders emphasized the importance of reconciliation among Christians and the need to strengthen cooperation in a world increasingly marked by war, division, and secularization.

“The legacy of Nicaea belongs to all Christians,” Pope Leo XIV declared. “It reminds us that faith must unite rather than divide.” Patriarch Bartholomew echoed the sentiment, calling the anniversary “a moment of grace and renewed fraternity between East and West.”

The two leaders also discussed humanitarian crises, religious freedom, environmental concerns, and the persecution of Christian communities in several parts of the world. Observers described the meeting as one of the most symbolically significant ecumenical events of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate so far.

The anniversary celebrations in Türkiye have drawn global attention from theologians, historians, and believers alike, many of whom see the encounter as a hopeful step toward deeper Christian unity after centuries of separation between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.