Pope Leo XIV Denounces Use of Religion to Justify War or Violence During Historic Visit to Turkey

On Friday, while commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Iznik, Turkey, Pope Leo XIV delivered a stark warning against the misuse of religion to justify violence and war. Joined by leaders of multiple Christian denominations, including Bartholomew I of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the pontiff emphasized that faith should unite — not divide — humanity.

Standing at the site of the ancient basilica where the Council convened in 325 AD, Pope Leo called on believers everywhere to reject fanaticism and to embrace a universal brotherhood regardless of ethnicity, nationality or religious background. “We must resolutely reject the use of religion to justify war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism,” he said.

The Council of Nicaea historically brought early Christian churches together to establish core doctrine — including the Nicene Creed, which remains central to many Christian traditions today.

For Pope Leo, the anniversary offered a moment to recommit to unity and peace in a world beset by conflict and division. His message underscored the church’s role — and the responsibility of believers — to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation rather than seeding hatred or violence under religious pretext.

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