House for Pilgrims inaugurated in Nicaea, Turkey

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presided over the ceremony and also consecrated the chapel to which Pope Leo donated a chalice. A marble plaque was installed in the building blessed in November 2025 by Pope Leo XIV during his apostolic journey marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.

The 'Pilgrim's House' in Nicea 

The house for pilgrims offers a facility providing accommodation for those wishing to visit the ruins of ancient Nicaea on the shores of Lake Ascania where the modern-day Turkish city of İznik can be found. The “Pilgrim’s House” was inaugurated by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who was invited by the Apostolic Vicar of Istanbul, Archbishop Massimiliano Palinuro. 

A marble plaque was installed in the building, which had been blessed in November 2025 by Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Nicaea to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.

Archbishop Fisichella also consecrated the altar in the chapel of the Pilgrim’s House, where visitors will be able to gather for prayer and celebrate the Eucharist. The inauguration brought together all the Bishops of the Turkish Episcopal Conference, as well as representatives of the Christian communities in Turkey. Pope Leo XIV sent a special chalice to mark the dedication of the chapel. 

The President of the Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Izmir, Archbishop Martin Kmetec, highlighted that the new building represents a sign of hospitality for the many pilgrims who visit each year the city where the Church’s First Ecumenical Council took place.

In his homily, before consecrating the altar, Archbishop Fisichella emphasized the importance of such a tangible sign. He reminded the faithful of the value of being a small community whose way of life bears witness to hope and, above all, to the unity of faith, a unity that makes believers throughout the world one Church of Christ. 

Deputy Governor Arif Karaman and the Mayor of Nicaea, Kağan Mehmet Usta, also offered greetings and expressed their gratitude for the Pope’s visit. 

Vatican News
Source: vaticannews.va/en