Pope Leo calls for unity in Iznik, Turkey | DW News

Key Concepts

• Council of Nica (325 AD): The first ecumenical council of Christian bishops, convened by Emperor Constantine the Great in Nicaea (modern-day İznik, Turkey). Its primary outcomes were the formulation of the Nicene Creed and the establishment of a uniform date for celebrating Easter.
• Nicene Creed: The foundational declaration of Christian faith, established at the Council of Nica, which remains significant for Christians globally.
• Ecumenical Council: A gathering of bishops from across the Christian world to discuss and decide on matters of doctrine, practice, and church discipline.
• Patriarch Bartholomew: The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
• Religious Violence and Fanaticism: The use of religious beliefs to justify aggression or extreme, intolerant behavior.
• Dialogue Across Boundaries: The act of engaging in communication and understanding between different religious or cultural groups.
• Archaeological Discovery: The process of uncovering and studying ancient ruins and artifacts to understand past civilizations and events.
• Global Warming: The long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.

Pope Leo's Call for Unity and Reconciliation in İznik

Pope Leo's inaugural foreign trip as Pope included a significant visit to İznik, Turkey, a city historically known as Nicaea. During this visit, he was accompanied by Patriarch Bartholomew, the head of the world's Orthodox Christians, and other senior clerics. The Pope's central message was a call for unity and reconciliation among Christian leaders. He explicitly urged Christians to reject the use of religion as a justification for violence or fanaticism.

Historical Significance of İznik (Nicaea)

İznik, a small town a few hours from Istanbul, holds immense historical importance for Christianity. Approximately 1700 years ago, it was the site of a pivotal gathering of bishops.

• The First Council of Nica (325 AD): Emperor Constantine the Great convened hundreds of bishops from across the Roman Empire in Nicaea. This council was instrumental in:

  • Formulating the Nicene Creed: This marked the creation of the first uniform doctrine of the Christian faith, which continues to be a foundational text for Christians worldwide.
  • Establishing a Uniform Doctrine: Prior to this council, there was no central Christian doctrine. The council aimed to unify diverse theological interpretations.
  • Negotiating Compromise: Emperor Constantine played a crucial role in facilitating careful negotiation among bishops who held fundamentally differing views, encouraging compromise over the assertion of absolute principles.
  • Addressing the Date of Easter: The council also established a unified doctrine on the date of Easter, with both Eastern and Western factions achieving some of their objectives.

• Location of the Council: The precise location of the first Council of Nica remained unknown until recently. In 2014, archaeologist Mustafa Şahin discovered the ruins of an ancient Roman basilica.

  • Discovery Process: Şahin identified the foundations of a large church in the lake through aerial photographs. Underwater excavations, conducted for 6 to 7 years by divers, revealed the structure submerged 2 meters below the lake's surface.
  • Impact of Global Warming: The receding water levels due to global warming exposed the ruins.
  • Dating and Significance: Şahin's team has dated the basilica to the late 4th century and believes it is situated on the very site where the first Council of Nica was held.
  • Current Status: An open-air museum has been established on the lakeside promenade, allowing visitors to view the ruins.

Modern-Day İznik and the Papal Visit's Impact

İznik is currently a quiet town with a population of less than 50,000 residents and no remaining Christian community. The Pope's visit is anticipated to bring international attention to the town and its historical significance.

• Local Hopes: Local artisans, like Me, who create ceramics with Christian motifs, hope the papal visit will boost tourism and benefit their businesses. Me's tile depicting the Last Supper took a month and a half to complete, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. Another tile showcases the First Council of Nica.
• Economic Predictions: There is an expectation of a significant increase in foreign tourists, leading to economic benefits for the town, particularly through increased sales of local products.

Expert Analysis on the Significance of the Visit

David Potter, a Professor of Greek and Roman History at the University of Michigan, provided insights into the significance of Pope Leo's visit:

• Significance of the Location: Potter emphasized the profound significance of the Pope's first foreign trip being to İznik, stating that "there was actually no central Christian doctrine prior to the council of Nica."
• East-West Christian Relations: The council was the first instance of bishops from the East and West meeting together, a precedent that resonates with the Pope's efforts to bridge divides within Christianity.
• Constantine's Role: Potter highlighted Constantine's diplomatic approach, noting that the Emperor understood he could not dictate beliefs but had to foster agreement and compromise.
• Pope's Modern Parallel: Potter drew a parallel between Constantine's approach and Pope Leo's current efforts to promote unity and condemn religious violence, suggesting the Pope is following in similar footsteps.
• Influence of the Pope's Words: Potter believes the Pope's message of unity and condemnation of religious violence can have "a great deal of influence" as the spokesperson for the largest Christian community and in his efforts to connect with other Christian communities, exemplified by Patriarch Bartholomew's presence.
• Visit to a Muslim-Majority Country: The Pope's choice to visit Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country, for his first foreign trip is seen as significant, reflecting his commitment to "opening dialogues across boundaries." It also serves as a reminder of Christianity's origins in the Middle East.

Conclusion

Pope Leo's visit to İznik, Turkey, marked a significant moment, linking the present-day pursuit of Christian unity with the historical foundations laid at the First Council of Nica. The discovery of the council's presumed site and the Pope's call for reconciliation and rejection of religious violence underscore the enduring relevance of this ancient gathering. The visit is expected to not only honor Christian history but also to revitalize the small town of İznik and foster interfaith dialogue.