Two days before departing for his trip to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV, speaking with journalists at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, responded to a question from the Athens–Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) about the significance of this first apostolic journey abroad.
“This journey is taking place primarily to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and of the Christian Credo, as well as to honor the person of Jesus Christ. A few days ago, the Catholic Church published an apostolic letter that speaks precisely about the importance of Christian unity, which can also be a source of peace for the entire world. Our Christian witness is needed. I have already met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on other occasions, and I believe this will be an excellent opportunity to advance the unity of all Christians,” the Pontiff said.
