Vatican announces: Pope wants to visit Turkey
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and head of the Vatican State, has announced his desire to visit Turkey next year.
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The spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Francis, wants to visit Turkey.
According to a statement from the Vatican, the Pope received a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople this morning on the occasion of the religious feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which will be celebrated in Rome tomorrow.
In his speech during the reception, Pope Francis recalled that next year marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and expressed his desire to travel to Nicaea (İznik).
The Pope said, "This is a trip I desire to make from the heart."
WHAT HAPPENED?
The First Council of Nicaea was convened in 325 AD at the invitation of Roman Emperor Constantine I, with the participation of all bishops affiliated with the church in Christianity. Considered significant in the history of Christianity, the council saw the discussion and resolution of important religious matters.
Pope Francis previously visited Turkey in 2014.
In addition to Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2006, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Paul VI in 1967.