Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace and Unity at Istanbul Mass, Warns Against Using Religion to Justify War
A Powerful Advent Message Delivered in Türkiye
Pope Leo XIV has delivered a compelling call for global unity, peace, and mutual understanding during Holy Mass at the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul, urging Christians and people of all faiths to “be messengers of hope in a world where religion is too often misused to justify violence.” The Mass, held on the eve of the Feast of Saint Andrew and the first Sunday of Advent, formed a major highlight of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Journey to Türkiye.
According to reports monitored by Akahi News, thousands of worshippers from various countries gathered for the celebration, which marked a significant moment in the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea—a foundational event in Christian history.
Holiness as a Model for Renewal
Reflecting on the day’s readings from Isaiah 2:1-5, Pope Leo described the biblical image of the “mountain of the Lord” as a symbol of hope, openness, and shared goodness. He noted that spiritual fruits are not meant to be kept hidden but shared as light to the world, just as Zion once stood as a beacon for all nations.
Quoting Church Father St. John Chrysostom, the Pope emphasised that “the allure of holiness is more eloquent than miracles,” adding that authentic witness remains the most persuasive form of evangelisation.
Akahi News gathered that he encouraged Christians to cultivate their faith through prayer and the sacraments, warning against the “works of darkness” and urging believers to embrace what St. Paul calls the “armour of light.”
A Call for Peace in Troubled Times
Turning to Isaiah’s powerful vision of swords turned into ploughshares, Pope Leo delivered one of the most urgent appeals of his homily: a renewed commitment to peace, dialogue, and reconciliation. He invited the faithful to reflect sincerely on how they personally contribute to peace in their families, communities, and societies.
The Holy Father used the emblem of his Apostolic Journey—depicting a bridge—as a metaphor for unity, pointing to the iconic bridges that link Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. These structures, he said, are reminders of the types of connections Christians must build daily.
Three Bonds of Unity
Pope Leo outlined three essential bonds that must define Christian and social life today:
1. Unity Within the Church
The Catholic Church in Türkiye incorporates four liturgical traditions: Latin, Armenian, Chaldean, and Syriac.
The Pope praised this diversity, emphasising that each tradition enriches the Church’s universality. Akahi News learnt that he urged Catholics to appreciate these differences, which strengthen—rather than weaken—ecclesial unity.
2. Unity Among Christians (Ecumenism)
Representatives of other Christian denominations were present at the Mass. Pope Leo highlighted the shared faith in Christ that unites all Christians, recalling the ecumenical gathering in Iznik two days earlier.
This ongoing walk of unity, he said, remains essential for the future of global Christianity.
3. Unity With Other Faiths
In a world scarred by violence and divisions often justified in the name of religion, the Pope recalled the teachings of the Second Vatican Council:
“Whoever does not love does not know God.”
He urged all people of faith to break down walls of prejudice, cultivate mutual understanding, and work together for peace.
Observers told Akahi News that this message resonates strongly amid ongoing global conflicts where religion is frequently misinterpreted as a tool of division.
An Advent Call to Action
As the season of Advent begins, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to adopt unity, peace, and love as spiritual resolutions. He reminded worshippers that Christian life is a journey toward Heaven and that every step taken in solidarity, compassion, and openness brings humanity closer to God’s desire for the world.
The Mass, attended by pilgrims, clergy, diplomats, and members of diverse Christian communities, forms part of a series of events marking the Pope’s multi-day visit to Türkiye and Lebanon.
Akahi News recalls that the Apostolic Journey also includes visits to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, a Divine Liturgy in Istanbul, and several diplomatic engagements in Beirut.
As the Holy Father continues his mission across regions with deep religious and geopolitical significance, his message of peace, unity, and hope is being received as a timely reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility in healing divisions.
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