23.11.2025 14:50
The leader of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIII, will make his first foreign visit to Turkey this week. Approximately 15,000 Christians are expected to flock to the district for the ceremony to be held in İznik, which has a population of 46,000.
The spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIII, is set to embark on an important visit program covering Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. The most notable stop of the visit, which will be accompanied by approximately 15,000 Christians, will be İznik.
It is stated that Pope Leo XIII will conduct a special mass in İznik as per the will of his predecessor Francis. Despite the historical heritage of İznik, which holds great significance in the Christian world, it is noteworthy that such a large-scale ceremony has not been hosted there for many years.
VISIT TO THE UNDERWATER BASILICA
On the first day of Pope Leo's visit to Turkey, November 27, he is expected to see the remains of the historical basilica located on the shores of Lake İznik, which was discovered underwater in 2014. This underwater basilica is believed to be the site where the First Council of Nicaea was held in 325 AD, convened by Roman Emperor Constantine.
WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE 5TH POPE
Pope Leo XIII, who is 70 years old, will make his first foreign visit to Turkey after taking office, thus earning the title of the fifth pope to visit Turkey since 1967. The region where the Nicaea Council, which witnessed critical decisions in Christian history, was held will once again be brought to the world's agenda with the ceremonies attended by the Pope.