Pope Leo Expresses Hope for 'Ecumenical' Visit to Nicaea
ROME — Pope Leo XIV has announced his plan to visit Iznik, Turkey—a town built on the ruins of Nicaea—to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.
In a meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros and representatives from the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities in America, he expressed hope to reunite for the ecumenical celebration in Turkey.
Patriarch Bartholomew noted in May that the pope had shared his intent to visit.
Bartholomew had planned to visit Iznik with Pope Francis this year around the time of Pascha. However, Francis died before the plans could be realized.
Although the Vatican has not officially confirmed the trip, it would be Leo's first international journey since his election.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.