Pope Francis plans to visit Turkey next year to join with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople in celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
Patriarch Bartholomew discussed plans for the celebration at a May 16 press conference, saying that the Pope has indicated he will travel to Constantinople and accompany the Orthodox leader to Nicea for the ceremonies.
The Vatican has not confirmed plans for the papal trip. Patriarch Bartholomew indicated that the Vatican “will contact the Turkish government, to formalize his visit and his involvement in these coming celebrations.”