Summing up Pope Leo’s first apostolic journey

It quickly became clear that Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey was more than a diplomatic courtesy. The Church cannot speak credibly about peace in a fractured world while appearing to be divided Herself. Leo’s decision not to include any discussion of the Filioque clause in his Apostolic Letter ahead of the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea prompted initial concern that the event could become a stage for theological ambiguity or political display. Instead, the Pope delivered something quieter, more deliberate, neither minimizing the council’s doctrinal importance nor indulging in superficial rhetoric.