The Pope's Final Wish: Why All Eyes are now on an Ancient Town in Turkey
A HISTORIC WISH FROM A MODERN POPE
In one of the most touching final gestures from a global religious leader, Pope Francis—who passed away on April 21, 2025—left behind a humble, profound wish: that the next Pope would make a pilgrimage to İznik, Turkey.
Why İznik?
Because it’s no ordinary town. It was known in ancient times as Nicaea, the location of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where bishops from across the Christian world gathered to define foundational beliefs of Christianity. This council gave us the Nicene Creed and marked a milestone in Church unity.
Now, nearly 1700 years later, the Vatican is considering a return—this time not with bishops, but with a Pope.
WHO IS POPE LEO XIV?
Following Pope Francis’s death, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV. A humble, reform-minded leader, Pope Leo XIV has publicly acknowledged his predecessor’s final wish and, according to Vatican sources, is actively preparing for a visit to Turkey.
This would make him the first Pope in history to visit İznik, and only the third to officially visit Turkey while in office—following Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
WHY İZNİK STILL MATTERS TODAY
For American travelers exploring Turkey, İznik isn’t usually the first destination that comes to mind. But it should be.
Tucked on the eastern shores of Lake İznik in northwestern Turkey, the town is a peaceful haven steeped in layers of religious and imperial history:
- The Hagia Sophia of İznik: Not to be confused with its famous namesake in Istanbul, this modest yet historically rich church was the very site of the first ecumenical council.
- Byzantine City Walls: Still standing tall, they surround the town like silent sentinels from another era.
- Roman and Ottoman Layers: İznik flourished under the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, making it a rare cultural intersection.
PILGRIMAGE TOURISM IN 2025: A GROWING TREND
Spiritual travel is having a moment. In 2025, more Americans are looking for journeys that deepen their faith, expand their worldview, and connect them to meaningful historical roots.
With Pope Leo XIV’s potential visit on the horizon, İznik is being thrust into the spotlight as the next great Christian pilgrimage destination. And for good reason.
WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU VISIT İZNİK
Even if the papal visit hasn’t happened yet, travelers are already making plans to walk in the footsteps of saints, bishops, and emperors. Here’s what a day in İznik might look like for a spiritually curious traveler:
- Morning: Begin at the Hagia Sophia Church of İznik and stand where the Nicene Creed was declared.
- Midday: Visit the İznik Museum and explore artifacts from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times.
- Afternoon: Walk the ancient city walls and enjoy panoramic views of Lake İznik.
- Evening: Relax at a lakeside café with Turkish tea and reflect on 1700 years of history.
WHAT A PAPAL VISIT WOULD MEAN FOR TURKEY
If Pope Leo XIV confirms his trip, it will be more than a symbolic gesture. It would:
- Elevate İznik on the global religious tourism map
- Foster deeper dialogue between the Vatican and the Muslim-majority Turkish Republic
- Attract pilgrims from around the world, especially the U.S. and Europe
- Open the door for future collaborations in interfaith understanding
A HIDDEN GEM REVEALED
For years, İznik has been a quiet, almost forgotten chapter in Christian history. But Pope Francis’s final wish is reigniting interest in its legacy.
Whether or not you’re Catholic—or religious at all—visiting İznik is a journey through the very roots of Western spirituality.
It’s a reminder that travel can be more than just sightseeing. It can be soul-seeking.
SHOULD YOU ADD İZNİK TO YOUR TURKEY ITINERARY?
Absolutely—especially if you're planning a trip to Istanbul or Bursa. İznik is only a few hours’ drive away and can easily be included in a broader cultural or religious itinerary.
Plus, the timing couldn’t be better. With global attention turning to this sacred town, travelers visiting in late 2025 may witness a once-in-a-lifetime moment in Church history.
FINAL THOUGHTS: FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH
Pope Francis’s final request is not just a message for his successor—it’s an invitation to all of us.
To pause.
To remember.
To explore the places where history and belief collide.
And for those traveling to Turkey in 2025, İznik is the perfect place to start that journey.
Kadir Akın
Kadir Akin is the managing partner of Turkey Tour Organizer Co. and a highly skilled travel advisor and tour guide. Kadir has worked in the tourist sector for more than 15 years, and he has a wealth of experience in trip planning and offering first-rate guiding services.
Whether visiting historical sites, trying the food, or finding off-the-beaten-path jewels, traveling with Kadir as your tour guide ensures a genuine and educational experience. Anyone looking for an insider's view of Turkey will find him to be a reliable and sought-after guide thanks to his love for his country and commitment to his profession.
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