Pope Leo XIV condemned the use of religion to justify conflict and extremism as he prayed alongside the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians in a show of unity between denominations.
“We must strongly reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism,” Pope Leo said in a prayer session on the shores of Turkey’s Lake Iznik, in the town of the same name. “Instead, the paths to follow are those of fraternal encounter, dialogue and co-operation.”
The leader of the world’s Catholics stood alongside Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, as they celebrated 1,700 years since one of early Christianity’s most important gatherings, which took place in Iznik in 325AD.
Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople take part in an ecumenical prayer service near Lake Iznik. AFP
The two leaders were joined by other dignitaries on a wooden platform above the ruins of the Basilica of St Neophytos, a local holy man, and the group prayed in Greek, Arabic and English after a choir sang hymns in English, French, Greek, Latin and Turkish.
The American Pope was on the second day of his four-day tour of Turkey
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.