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Why the New Pope Wants to Visit Iznik, Turkey: A Key Location for Christianity

Ömer Faruk Kino Yazar Profil Resmi
Ömer Faruk Kino
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Kapak Görseli

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic world and head of state of the Vatican, died on April 21. Following the Pope's death, the Church initiated a new election process, resulting in the election of a new Pope, Leo XIV. Interestingly, the new Pope's first official visit will be to Turkey.

And why Turkey?

Pope Francis wished to visit Iznik in 2025 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. Describing this trip as “a visit that I would like to make from my heart”, Franciscus had expressed his hope that his successor would undertake this visit if his health did not permit him to do so.

Why is Nicaea so important? What is the First Council of Nicaea?

The answers to these questions are of great historical and religious significance. Let's examine them together.

New Pope Prepares to Make His First Visit to Turkey

New Pope Prepares to Make His First Visit to Turkey Görseli

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, had announced his intent to visit Turkey last year. The Pope, who received a delegation from the Greek Patriarchate of Fener at the Vatican in June, reminded all that 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and expressed his wish to visit Nicaea.

Pope Francis had specifically hoped that his successor would undertake this visit if his health failed him, but he died before he could realise this wish. Now, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is planning to visit Iznik, Turkey, to fulfil this intention.

Why does the Pope want to visit Nicaea?

Why does the Pope want to visit Nicaea? Görseli

The answer to this question lies in the First Council of Nicaea, one of the most significant turning points in the history of Christianity. The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of this great council. This special day, imbued with spiritual significance for all Christendom, was an event in which Pope Francis sought to be deeply involved. On this occasion, the Pope's aim was not only to commemorate this meaningful day but also to strengthen the sense of unity among Christians around the world.

What is the First Council of Nicaea?

Now that we understand the reason behind the Pope's desire to visit Turkey, let us explore why this historic council holds such importance for Christianity.

The First Council of Nicaea is regarded as the first universal council in the history of Christianity. Bishops from all churches convened at this significant meeting, where the foundational principles of the Christian faith were established.

This council, which took place in 325 AD in a palace believed to lie beneath today's Lake Nicaea, was organised by Roman Emperor Constantine I. Constantine's aim was to unite Christian churches from across the globe to achieve doctrinal unity, effectively an “ecumenical” gathering.

In his opening address at the Council, Constantine made the following statements:  

“My friends, it has been my greatest prayer to be in such unity and fellowship with you. I owe thanks to God, the King of Kings, for seeing you all together, for our unanimity of opinion, and for answering my prayers.”

According to various sources, the main purpose of this council was to end the dark period over the Church and prevent sectarian divisions. The Christian faith was already well established, but some crucial religious issues were openly debated during this council.

What was discussed at the Council?

One of the most notable debates at the First Council of Nicaea revolved around the nature of Jesus Christ. A priest from Egypt contended that Jesus was not God but rather the closest being to God. According to this view, Jesus was the first created being and existed before the universe.

However, this perspective was labelled heretical at the council. It resulted in the official recognition of the view that Jesus was not only a human being but also the Son of God. Even today, this decision remains one of the fundamental doctrines of faith within the Christian world.

Flooded Basilica: Could it be the site of the Council?

The First Council of Nicaea, recognised as legitimate by all four major Christian denominations, was held in Nicaea (modern-day Nicaea). While it is known that the meeting took place in the Senatus Palace, the location of this palace remains unknown today. Some claims suggest that a fresco in the Vatican's famous Cappella Sistina may allude to the submerged basilica in Nicaea.

Discovered in 2014, this underwater basilica continues to be a great mystery. The structure measures approximately 41 metres long and 18.5 metres wide, located just 50 metres from the shore. The architectural features of this early Christian-era basilica raise questions about whether it could be where the Council convened.

The Importance of Iznik Increases Day by Day!

In the final days of April, another discovery was made in Lake Iznik that will shed light on history. Osman Erim, who went out to the lake to fish, encountered an unexpected object while pulling his net: The Spear of Poseidon, identified as dating back to the Roman period!

Poseidon was the god of the seas, water resources and earthquakes in ancient Greek mythology. The trident symbolising him represented the power to control natural phenomena. This artefact offers another clue to the historical depth of Iznik.

Who knows, perhaps there is still much more to discover about Iznik...