It is expected that Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, will make his first official visit to İznik, Bursa. The Historical Basilica, where the ceremony will be held before the visit expected to take place due to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, has become a museum, and the locals and tourism professionals are waiting for the Pope's visit.

It was announced that Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, would visit İznik on May 24-25 due to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, but with his death, it became a matter of curiosity whether the new Pope's successor would carry out the planned visit. While no official statement has yet been made from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, in a meeting where he came together with 4,000 journalists as one of his first official activities, answered a journalist's question, "Pope Francis wanted to attend the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, but his life was not enough. Will you go?" with "I know. We are preparing."

The commemoration ceremonies in İznik are organized due to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which has an important place in the history of Christianity. The council, convened in İznik in 325 at the invitation of Roman Emperor Constantine I, is accepted as the first universal or ecumenical council in the history of Christianity. At this meeting, which was held with the participation of all bishops, the basic principles of the Christian faith were discussed and important theological decisions were made. The possible visit of Pope Leo XIV to Turkey is considered an important step in terms of both interreligious dialogue and the revival of historical memory.

UNCERTAINTY REMAINS

Although the new Pope's arrival and date have not yet been officially clarified, İznik has begun to wait for the new spiritual leader of Catholics. In this context, the Historical Basilica, which emerged in 2014 when the water receded on the shore of Lake İznik and caused a great echo in the archeology world, is now preparing to welcome its visitors under the roof of a modern museum. With the opening of the İznik Lake Basilica Museum, which is the third museum to be built in the district, the district will become a more attractive destination for local and foreign tourists.

The ceremony planned to be held during the Pope's possible visit will also take place here. Locals and tradesmen are also continuing their preparations for the possible visit. Tourism professional Ali Karaman said, "I think that with the Pope's arrival in İznik, there will be development in terms of trade and economy. As Mevlana said, 'Come as you are.' We would like him to come."

Tradesman Berkay Yağcı said, "It is a good thing that the Pope is coming to İznik. It's a positive situation," while tradesman Tevfik Özen said, "I think it is very important for İznik that the Pope comes here. İznik's name will be heard, interest will increase."

Ceramic artist Merve Cındık said, "I have been a ceramic artist for 12 years. Frankly, there is a tourist flow that we have not seen for many years. This pleases us."