Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew announced today that Pope Francis is planning to visit Turkey next year to commemorate the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.
The First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea, Bithynia, in 325 AD addressed a significant debate about the divine and human nature of Jesus in the early centuries of Christianity. “His Holiness Pope Francis wants us to celebrate this important anniversary together,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew from Lisbon, where he is currently attending an event.
Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople and then proceed to Iznik, the location of the First Council of Nicaea. The Ecumenical Patriarch mentioned the formation of a committee to plan the visit, and the Vatican will soon be in contact with the Turkish government.
Despite turning 88 in December and facing health challenges that require him to use a cane or wheelchair due to a knee issue, Pope Francis plans to travel abroad. He has recently minimized public appearances and canceled significant events, such as the Good Friday procession in March. However, he is set to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore in early September, followed by Belgium later the same month.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas