While speaking to journalists yesterday, Pope Leo XIV revealed that he is preparing a visit to Turkey to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Meanwhile, he excluded the possibility of visiting the United States of America, or visiting Fátima, in Portugal.
Following his speech to journalists, Pope Leo XIV approached the first row of journalists. An Italian journalist noted that this year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and that Pope Francis, together with Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew, had planned a visit to İznik, Turkey, where the council took place. To this, the Pope replied, “I know and am preparing for it”.
This visit, with a strong ecumenical dimension, was one of the visits planned before the death of Pope Francis, and will most likely take place at the end of this month – although the Vatican has not provided an official date.
The theme of unity is one close to heart for Pope Leo XIV and is reflected in his motto.
The Council of Nicaea established the Nicaean Creed – which is a statement of the Christian faith.
Pope Leo XIV unlikely to visit the US or Portugal
Pope Leo XIV was also asked by Lester Holt, from the American media organisation NBC News, if he intends “to go home” and visit the United States of America. To this he replied, “I don’t think so”.
A Portuguese correspondent also reminded the Pope that tomorrow the Church celebrates Our Lady of Fátima, and asked him if he intends to go there.
To this he replied that although he had planned on going, the plans had since changed.
Source: Newsbook.com.mt