05.11.2025 15:15
A delegation of 38 people consisting of priests and nuns from the Vatican arrived in İznik, Bursa, ahead of the visit by Pope Leo XIII, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the Head of State of the Vatican. The delegation included the Pope's General Vicar, Cardinal Baldassare Reina.
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Vatican State President Pope Leo XIII will make his first foreign trip to Turkey after starting his papal duties. The Pope will visit Turkey from November 27 to 30.
During the Pope's visit to Turkey, there will be a series of events with Patriarch Bartholomew. The two will come to Iznik on November 28 to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council, an important meeting in early Christian history.
THE VATICAN DELEGATION HAS ARRIVED IN IZNIK
Before the Pope's visit, a delegation from the Vatican arrived in Iznik. The 38-member delegation, consisting of priests and nuns, included Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the General Vicar of Pope Leo XIII, Cardinal Vicar's Private Secretary Dario Loı, Vicar of the Diocese of Rome Renato Tarantelli Baccari, and Sister Rebecca, Director of the Pilgrimage Pastoral Office of the Roman Vicariate Antonia Romana Nazzaro.
THEY VISITED THE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE
As part of the visit, the delegation first had lunch at a restaurant by the beach, and then visited the Iznik Basilica and the Hagia Sophia Mosque. During the Vatican delegation's contacts in the district, evaluations were also made regarding Iznik's historical heritage, restoration works, and visiting routes.
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