Pope Leo XIV's Historic Pilgrimage to the Sunken Ruins of Nicaea

Pope Leo XIV has begun his first foreign trip with a visit to the historic site of the First Council of Nicaea. The location, uncovered about 11 years ago after centuries beneath water, holds deep significance for Christianity. On his second day abroad, he prayed at the ruins alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The First Council of Nicaea took place in 325 AD under Emperor Constantine. Its purpose was to address divisions in the early Christian Church, particularly the teachings of Arius, who claimed Jesus was not equal to God. The council rejected these ideas and produced the Nicene Creed, still recited in churches today.

At the archaeological site, Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew prayed together. The Pope used the occasion to advocate for dialogue and cooperation among religions. He also stressed that faith should never justify war, violence, or fundamentalism.

On Saturday, the two leaders will sign a joint declaration. This act aims to demonstrate unity between their communities. The Pope’s visit highlights the enduring importance of the council’s decisions. The joint declaration will mark a formal step in strengthening ties between the two Christian traditions. The event also underscores the site’s historical and spiritual significance.