Pope Leo Calls for Christian Unity During Historic Middle East Gathering

Pope Leo used the opening days of his first overseas journey to deliver a pointed appeal for reconciliation among Christian communities across the Middle East. Speaking at a commemoration marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, he addressed senior clerics from Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Israel and other regions where Christian identity has long been shaped by historic divisions. The gathering in Iznik, a city once central to early Christian formation, placed the new pontiff at the center of a renewed conversation about interchurch cooperation and the future of global Christian witness. His remarks focused on the ethical responsibilities of church leadership at a time when violence, displacement and geopolitical fractures continue to challenge religious communities across the region. Drawing attention to the shared origins of the world’s Christian traditions, he underscored that long standing divisions remain a barrier to credible peace building and that the world is increasingly in need of a unified moral voice as conflicts intensify.

In addressing these leaders, Leo emphasized that religion should never be invoked to justify coercion, war or sectarian retaliation. He framed his message around the idea that genuine faith calls for cooperation, dialogue and a disciplined rejection of fanaticism in all its forms. The ceremony, held near the submerged ruins of a fourth century basilica, became a symbolic setting for his appeal to rebuild trust between churches that have often taken separate paths for nearly a millennium. Those attending included Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who urged participants to look beyond historical grievances and commit to a forward looking spirit. Their presence signaled a willingness among many Orthodox and Catholic leaders to reopen space for collaboration, even as notable absences, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, illustrated how political tensions continue to influence ecclesial relationships.

The pope’s itinerary in Turkey included meetings with President Tayyip Erdogan and encounters with Catholic communities that remain small in number but deeply active in social outreach. He encouraged them to prioritize service to migrants, echoing his broader calls for compassionate responses to global displacement. Turkey’s position as a host country to millions of refugees gave his words added relevance, and local Catholics responded with strong enthusiasm. Leo is expected to carry a similar message into Lebanon, where political instability, economic strain and regional spillover from conflict have placed extraordinary pressure on Christian communities. Many Lebanese leaders hope his visit will draw international attention to the country’s fragile situation and help encourage renewed diplomatic engagement. With the visit spanning Turkey and Lebanon, the pope has signaled that unity, peace and responsible leadership will define his international agenda in the months ahead.