Nicaea is fundamental: Orthodox bishop on Leo’s trip

An event of ecumenical significance

This joint commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea had been planned for a long time. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had informed Pope Francis, who, as we know, would have very much liked to visit Nicaea. This event is of great significance because it commemorates the first ecumenical council.

Nicaea defined the foundations of the Christian faith. It’s the first council that Orthodox and Catholics share. It’s also recognized by the churches that emerged from the Reformation. Today, in order to join the World Council of Churches, one must agree with the doctrine of the Nicene Creed.

Commemorating Nicaea is therefore fundamental: It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our common faith together and to signify that we can progress on the path to Christian unity.

In Iznik, on the site of Nicaea, representatives of the Christian churches will gather in front of the lake, where the foundations of an ancient Christian basilica have been found. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, the first ecumenical council was held in the imperial palace, which is also under water today. It’s likely that the ancient basilica was built a few years after the council, either near the palace or on the very site of the council.

In front of the lake, the focal point of the common prayer will be the recitation by all of the Nicene Creed. The next day, in Istanbul, there will be a fraternal meeting behind closed doors between the various representatives of the Christian churches.

Not to my knowledge. The Moscow Patriarchate has broken communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and with that of Alexandria. This situation means that Moscow refuses to take part in initiatives led by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Leo XIV and Bartholomew’s amicable relationship

The Ecumenical Patriarch has already met Pope Leo XIV in Rome. But this is the Pope's first official visit to Constantinople. It’s a source of great pride to welcome him in the first year of his pontificate.

Leo XIV is following in the footsteps of his predecessors. Since Paul VI, all popes have visited the Phanar, the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. And all have signed a joint declaration. This time, I imagine there will be an invitation to proclaim Christ together to the world, a reference to peace, to the protection of the environment and of the human person.

There was indeed a friendship between Francis and Bartholomew. Together, they carried out projects and messages for the world. In the famous encyclical Laudato si', Pope Francis explicitly thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his work on ecological issues and sin against creation.

There was a spontaneous brotherhood between them that was evident at each of their meetings. This made it possible to carry out major projects on ecology, peace, and the dignity of the human person. I think that Leo XIV will follow in Francis' footsteps and be open to theological dialogue, so that our Churches can progress in mutual understanding.

Possible advances in dialogue

Immediately after the election of Pope Leo XIV, we heard his first words devoted to peace. I believe there is no break between him and Francis. But in style, the new pope has a background in canon law. All his statements, homilies, and messages are measured and unequivocal. He has a theological clarity that appeals greatly to the Orthodox.

We shouldn’t expect a decision on the date of Easter. That’s not the purpose of this commemoration, and the synodal bodies of the churches that could make progress on this issue aren’t meeting. But perhaps this topic will be discussed and this commemoration will encourage dialogue.

Christians in Turkey

Certainly. Since the meeting between Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, Christians of the Patriarchate have a genuine sense of being brothers in Christ with those of the Catholic Church.

Beyond the Christian communities, I believe that this trip makes all Turks proud. The media has been talking about the commemoration of Nicaea and the Pope's visit for several months. It’s a great event for Turkish society.

Relations are warm and cordial. The Ecumenical Patriarch is regularly invited to civil events in Ankara.

Patriarch Bartholomew and President Erdogan often have the opportunity to exchange views. The atmosphere is good.

The Synod on Synodality

I have fond memories of the Synod and the exchanges I had with the bishops, theologians, and Catholic delegates from around the world who were present. It was an extraordinary opportunity to discuss issues affecting the Church with them. I also have very fond memories of the meetings with the other invited Churches. It was a very powerful moment of ecumenism.

I believe it was an interesting experience for the Catholic Church. It’s understandable that it wishes to change its style of governance and administration to be more missionary. We also note that it’s opening up to the problems encountered by today's societies while trying to reconnect with an older tradition of governance. This event is a model for all Christian churches, even though there are many forms of synodality in the Orthodox world.