The year 2025 marks the convergence of two major events: the Jubilee Year (a universal Catholic pilgrimage held every 25 years where all sins are forgiven) and the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This timing sets the stage for a high-profile visit by Pope Leo XIV to Türkiye, expected to draw 15,000 tourists to Bursa this year.
Before his visit to Türkiye, Pope Leo issued a declaration calling on Christians to engage in an examination of conscience. In the declaration, Pope Leo stated that when Christians recite the Creed, it should prompt them to reflect deeply on what they truly believe and what kind of example of faith in God they offer to others.
He also included a strong criticism of past actions committed in the name of religion, writing: "Wars have been fought, and people have been killed, persecuted and discriminated against in the name of God ... Instead of proclaiming a merciful God, a vengeful God has been presented who instills terror and punishes."
Since his inauguration, Pope has demonstrated that he holds a modern, moderate ideology through his stance on migrants, Gaza, and Nigeria. Especially in an era where religious wars continue, being the leader of the Catholic faith, which has 1.5 billion members worldwide, also means influencing int
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