Pope Leo XIV met with bishops, clergy, religious, and pastoral workers in Istanbul on Friday, encouraging Türkiye’s small Catholic community to embrace its mission with confidence, joy, and renewed commitment.
Speaking inside the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the Pope opened his address by recalling the profound Christian heritage of the region—where Abraham journeyed in faith, where the disciples were first called Christians, and where the early Fathers helped shape the foundations of Christian doctrine.
He emphasized that this legacy is not only a memory but “a source of inspiration for the Church today,” calling the community to deepen its mission in a land rich in biblical and patristic history.
Strength in Smallness
Pope Leo highlighted what he called the “Logic of Littleness,” reminding those present that the Church’s vitality does not depend on numbers or social influence.
Quoting Scripture, he reassured them: “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
This vision, he said, allows even small communities to look to the future with courage rather than discouragement. He encouraged them to continue witnessing to the Gospel “with joy and hopeful perseverance,” noting with gratitude the growing interest of young people seeking answers about faith.
Mission Priorities in Türkiye
The Pope pointed to three key areas where the Church’s presence is especially needed:
Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, essential in a country shaped by diverse traditions.
Evangelization and faith formation, especially within local communities.
Pastoral care for refugees and migrants, many of whom are among the most vulnerable.
He acknowledged that many pastoral workers themselves come from abroad, calling this an invitation to deeper inculturation, so the Gospel can be expressed in ways that genuinely resonate with Türkiye’s culture and people.
Nicaea and Today’s Challenges
Marking 1,700 years since the First Council of Nicaea, Pope Leo reflected on three theological challenges that remain relevant:
1. Safeguarding the essence of the faith, guided by the Creed as a “compass of unity.”
2. Resisting a modern form of Arianism, which reduces Jesus to a mere historical teacher rather than the living Son of God.
3. Understanding doctrinal development, which grows organically while remaining rooted in unchanging truth.
Inspired by Pope John XXIII
The Pope concluded by recalling the years that Pope Saint John XXIII served in Türkiye, highlighting his affection for the country and the steady fidelity with which he fulfilled his mission.
Pope Leo expressed his hope that today’s pastoral workers would follow the same example—serving with courage, nurturing the “joy of faith,” and strengthening the Church’s witness of friendship and fraternity.
Credit: Vatican News
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