ASIA/TURKEY - The Archbishop of Smyrna: "We are awaiting Pope Leo XIV's visit to Nicaea

Smyrna (Agenzia Fides) - "Pilgrimages to Nicaea are being organized from Smyrna, Istanbul, and other Turkish dioceses. And from abroad, representatives of parishes from all over the world are coming to what is now Iznik, which was once Nicaea. We eagerly await the official confirmation from the Holy See regarding Pope Leo XIV's visit to Nicaea: his presence in Turkey will be a source of great joy and grace for us believers and for the entire nation," said Martin Kmetec, President of the Turkish Bishops' Conference and Archbishop of Smyrna, in an interview with Fides. He commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, an event that draws the attention of Christian churches around the world to the city south of Istanbul on Lake Bursa. Monsignor Kmetec explains: "The anniversary aroused great interest among the Christian community in Turkey and prompted us to explore the history of the Church in our region. Today we reflect on the treasure of faith we received from Nicaea: we are called to embrace it, preserve it, and apply it in our daily lives."
The Archbishop also recalls that the anniversary is also being celebrated by the Orthodox Church "and is therefore an opportunity for ecumenical dialogue and unity." Referring to a recent ecumenical symposium held in Antalya, in which he personally participated, the Archbishop of Smyrna states: "I found the perspective very significant because it helped us focus on the content of the faith we proclaim and live, that is, to reflect on the Incarnation of Christ, which expresses the gift of his divine and human nature. The gift given to us is salvation: today we are called to safeguard this gift and proclaim it to the world as Christians, Catholics and Orthodox together," he states. The then also emphasizes a second aspect: "Nicaea is not only a place for theological reflection: This Council was also the fruit of the profound witness of faith by so many people who gave their lives for the faith in the first three centuries of Christianity. This witness, in a sense, prepared the outcome of the Council. For us today, the memory of this witness of faith is the most important thing, because it inspires and strengthens us in the challenges we live in the present." A moment of faith and witness for the small Catholic community in Turkey (in a country with a large Muslim majority, there are approximately 60,000 Catholics, representing 0.07% of the population) will also be the visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for the Feast of Saint Andrew (November 30), although the official announcement has yet to be made. Bishop Kmetec notes: "We are awaiting him in Turkey; all the details and agreements between the Holy See and the Turkish government are currently being finalized. A Vatican delegation already came here in February to prepare for the visit of Pope Francis, whom we remember in prayer, with affection and gratitude. Now we hope with all our hearts that Pope Leo can come: We are confident, there are positive signs, and everything is developing for the best." If the Pope were to come to Turkey for his first apostolic visit abroad, "it would be a privilege for us," he notes, but "it would be a great event for the entire nation, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople." "We were struck by the Pope’s first greeting: Peace be with you, the Archbishop concluded. "He proclaimed and will bring us the peace that is the gift of the Risen Christ. We believe that he has an open ear to the realities of the world and will bring a word of peace to a torn world. Let us pray for him that the Holy Spirit may comfort and enlighten him as father, head, and support for us, a small community in Turkey, and for the universal Church." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/6/2025)

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