According to reports, Pope Francis is planning to visit Turkey next year to mark the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. This significant event is of great importance to the spiritual head of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is based in Istanbul. The First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD, was where the Church decided on this pivotal theological issue. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew stated that “His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to celebrate this important anniversary together.” He revealed that the Pope is planning to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul before traveling to the city of Iznik, the site of the First Council of Nicaea. This planned visit holds special significance, as Pope Francis is set to turn 88 years old in December, and international travel has become increasingly challenging for him due to health considerations.