26/11/2025
Pope Leo XIV encourages Christians to move beyond “theological controversies” that no longer promote unity and to rediscover the shared faith of the Council of Nicaea, celebrated 1,700 years ago. In his new apostolic letter, “In Unitate fidei” (“In the Unity of Faith”), released on November 23, 2025, he connects the anniversary of the first ecumenical council with the Holy Year of 2025 and his upcoming visit to Türkiye, where he will mark Nicaea’s 1700th anniversary and participate in an ecumenical event with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew before traveling to Lebanon. Leo XIV emphasizes that the Nicene Creed “can be the basis and reference point” for renewed efforts toward Christian unity. He writes, “It offers us a model of true unity in legitimate diversity. Unity in the Trinity, Trinity in Unity, because unity without multiplicity is tyranny, multiplicity without unity is fragmentation.” The pope calls for leaving behind outdated theological disputes to foster a common understanding and prayer to the Holy Spirit, so that all may be united in faith and love. He adds, “The restoration of unity among Christians does not make us poorer; on the contrary, it enriches us,” describing the pursuit of full visible unity as both a theological and spiritual challenge that requires repentance and conversion from all. Addressing current global crises, Leo XIV notes that the Holy Year’s theme is “Christ our hope” and that the Nicene Creed remains a source of confidence amid war, injustice, and suffering. He invites all Christians “to walk in harmony, guarding and transmitting the gift they have received with love and joy,” especially through the Creed’s words: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God… for our salvation he came down from heaven.”
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