Turkey Signals Openness to Reopening Halki Seminary as Pope Leo XIV Begins Landmark Visit

Halki Theological Seminary. Photo: protothema.gr

HEYBELIADA — As Pope Leo XIV arrives in Turkey this week to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, hopes are rising for the long-stalled reopening of the Halki Theological School, a Greek Orthodox seminary closed since 1971.

As reported by the Associated Press, the school — once the training ground for generations of clergy, including Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople — has become a central symbol in the wider struggle for religious freedom in Turkey. Although private universities were legalized decades ago, Halki has remained shuttered under laws restricting private higher education.

Abp. Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America told the AP that Turkey is now “ready to make the big step forward … for the benefit of minorities and for the benefit of religious and minority rights,” noting that a joint committee of Patriarchate and Turkish officials has begun formal discussions. He expressed optimism the seminary could reopen as early as next academic year.

“Keeping this school closed after more than 50 years is a political and diplomatic anachronism that doesn’t help our country,” His Eminence — who was born in Istanbul — told the AP, adding, “We have so many private universities in Turkey...  keeping only Halki closed doesn’t help Turkey, doesn't help anyone.”

Founded in 1844, the seminary is undergoing renovations, with clergy quarters and classrooms already restored.

Pope Leo’s visit includes meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and joint commemorations with Pat. Bartholomew. The fate of Halki remains widely viewed as a test of Turkey’s treatment of religious minorities, who continue to face legal and administrative hurdles despite reforms under Erdoğan’s government.

For many, the reopening would also carry symbolic weight. “The Theological School of Halki is in my heart,” Abp. Elpidophoros said, describing its legacy as a “spirit” of openness, dialogue, and coexistence. “The entire world needs a school with this spirit.”

Previously, UOJ reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had told Erdogan that the Greek Orthodox Church "would really like some help" with the reopening of the seminary.

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