Vatican Officials Visit Iznik with 2 Cardinals and 102 Priests
Pope Francis Expected to Visit Iznik for 1700th Anniversary of First Council of Nicaea
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and President of the Vatican, is expected to visit Iznik in May for the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. In preparation for this historic visit, 2 cardinals and 102 priests from the Vatican recently arrived in the district to inspect the area.
The clergy members first visited the edge of Lake Iznik, where the sunken basilica of St. Neophytos was discovered 1500 years ago. The basilica, found 20 meters from the lake shore, was built during that time period and has since become an important archaeological site.
Following their visit to the sunken basilica, the cardinals and priests proceeded to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, where the First Council was held during the church period. The mosque, converted into a mosque in 1331, holds great historical significance and was an essential location for the Council.
Taylan Sevil, Director of the Old Iznik Museum, emphasized the importance of Iznik in the Christian world, stating that it was declared the 3rd holy city in the world after Jerusalem and the Vatican during the 19th Council meeting in 1962. The First Council of Nicaea, held in Iznik in 325 AD, addressed crucial issues of Christianity that remain relevant today.
The upcoming visit of Pope Francis and the Vatican delegation, along with the recent inspection, is expected to boost tourism in Iznik and the surrounding area. This visit serves as a significant opportunity to promote the historical and cultural significance of Iznik on a global scale.
