Sun Nov 30 10:59:35 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul signals support for Christian unity and improved relations between Turkey and Armenia. This visit, part of the 1,700th-anniversary commemoration of the Council of Nicaea, occurs amid ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia, who have a long history of conflict, particularly surrounding the Armenian genocide, a topic Pope Leo XIV has been careful to address. The visit is seen as a subtle endorsement of the normalization process.
News Article:
Pope Leo XIV’s Istanbul Visit Signals Support for Turkey-Armenia Reconciliation
Istanbul, Turkey – November 30, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV held prayers at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul today, marking a significant gesture of support for Christian unity and improved relations between Turkey and Armenia. The visit, part of the pontiff’s first international trip to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, is viewed as a subtle endorsement of ongoing efforts to normalize ties between the two nations.
Turkey and Armenia have a history marred by the contentious issue of the Armenian genocide, during which an estimated 1.5 million Armenians died in the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915. While many historians and countries recognize the event as genocide, Turkey denies the characterization, stating the deaths were a result of civil war and unrest.
Pope Leo XIV, during his visit, made a subtle reference to the historical suffering, stating, “This visit provides me with the opportunity to thank God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often amid tragic circumstances.”
Analysts believe the Pope’s visit will bolster normalization efforts between Turkey and Armenia, who lack formal diplomatic ties and have kept their border closed since the 1990s. Both countries have appointed special envoys to explore reconciliation.
Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Centre based in Yerevan, Armenia, noted the visit’s importance in “promoting Armenia-Turkish normalisation.”
This visit comes amid efforts to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a close Turkish ally, following the 2020 conflict for control of the Karabakh region.
While the issue of formal genocide recognition remains sensitive, the Pope’s visit is seen as a positive step towards fostering a more peaceful and cooperative relationship between Turkey and Armenia.
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