27.11.2025 09:26
The spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Leo XIII, is arriving in Turkey today for his first foreign visit. After his meetings in Ankara, the Pope will first go to Istanbul and then to Iznik tomorrow. It is expected that the Pope will visit the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos in Iznik to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and hold a service in the archaeological site. Preparations have been completed for the visit, which is believed to contribute to tourism.
The spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Leo XIV, will make his first foreign visit to Turkey in the sixth month of his tenure. This year, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which holds significant importance in Christian history, Pope Leo XIV will visit the district of Iznik in Bursa and will visit the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos, which has been submerged for many years by the shores of Lake Iznik. An archaeological ceremony with 40 participants is planned to be held in this area.
"PREPARATIONS ARE COMPLETE" As preparations in the district are also completed, the people of Iznik believe that Pope Leo XIV's visit will be beneficial for tourism and the promotion of the district. Iznik Mayor Kağan Mehmet Usta made a statement regarding the preparations. Mayor Usta said, "The infrastructure work started 3 years ago. After discussions, once the work was finalized, all preparations continued under the auspices of our state. The landing areas for helicopters, security measures, routes to be taken, and the cleaning of the area around the Basilica to ensure that guests are well received are coming to an end. We will host our guest on Friday during the security check. Iznik has served as the capital for 4 great empires and has a known history dating back to 2500 BC. Here, we are the hosts. We will show our guest all the hospitality we can. The people of Iznik are also ready. The important thing is that the spiritual leader of the Christian world comes to Iznik to make a pilgrimage. We will do our best to ensure that there is a sustainable international tourism movement here in terms of faith tourism," he stated.
"IT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO TOURISM" Mehmet Efe, who stated that Pope Leo XIV's visit will be good for the promotion of Turkey and Iznik, said, "It will definitely contribute to tourism. This place will be a point of interest for the entire Christian world. It is certain that it will be good for Iznik. I am sure it will be very good for the promotion of Turkey and Iznik."
Furkan Yılmaz, who stated that the visit will contribute to Iznik's tourism, said, "This is a significant development for Iznik. It holds great importance both in terms of tourism and the future of Iznik. Honestly, we are happy. I believe it will lead to better places for both tradesmen and the public in Iznik."
NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR VISITORS A special walking platform has been built in the historical basilica area by Lake Iznik, allowing visitors to explore the ancient ruins without causing damage. The platform enables both domestic and foreign tourists to closely view the mosaics and burial sites.
It is stated that the platform will play an important role in terms of security and access during Pope Leo XIV's visit to Iznik on Friday. It has been announced that the Pope will also tour the area around the basilica using this platform. The platform has been designed with a system that does not touch the ground to protect the historical fabric. Thus, both the archaeological heritage is preserved, and visitors can safely experience the area.
NEW STATUS FOR THE BASILICA With Iznik gaining the status of an archaeological site, this platform is expected to make the area more attractive. A symbolic route has been created for visitors coming for faith tourism.
POPE'S FIRST STOP WILL BE ANKARA The first stop of the Pope's visit to Turkey will be Ankara. The Pope will visit Anıtkabir today and will then be welcomed with an official ceremony at Beştepe. Afterward, he will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and then proceed to Istanbul.
ROADS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC IN ANKARA Due to the Pope's visit, some roads in Ankara will be closed to traffic.
According to a statement from the Ankara Police Department, it was announced that Anıt Caddesi, Gençlik Caddesi, Akdeniz Caddesi, Spor Park Caddesi, and all roads connecting to these streets may be closed to two-way traffic from 09:00 until the end of the program. The police warned drivers to use alternative routes and to comply with traffic signs.
POPE'S VISIT PROGRAM TO TURKEY — He will arrive in Ankara on the morning of November 27.
— He will visit Anıtkabir.
— He will meet with President Erdoğan.
— After the meeting, he will go to Istanbul in the evening.
— Upon arriving in Istanbul, he will sleep.
— On the morning of November 28, he will hold a meeting with bishops and priests at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Istanbul.
— He will visit the French Poorhouse Nursing Home.
— He will go to Iznik at 14:00.
— He will conduct an ecumenical prayer service near the archaeological excavations of the ancient St. Neophytos Basilica.
— After the service, he will return to Istanbul.
— On the morning of November 29, he will go to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
— He will hold a special meeting at the St. George Patriarchal Church.
— After the meeting, he will conduct a service at the Volkswagen Arena.