Pope Urges Hope in a World Where Religion Is Used to Justify War

Istanbul, Türkiye, November 30, 2025: On his third day in Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass at the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul, gathering hundreds of people to honour St Andrew, the Apostle and Patron of the land. He used the occasion to encourage the faithful to reflect during Advent on the three bonds of unity: within the community, in ecumenical relations, and with people of different faiths.

The Pope reminded the congregation that 30 November marks the First Sunday of Advent, a season dedicated to preparing for the birth of Christ, who was “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.” He noted that this declaration was defined at the Council of Nicaea 1,700 years ago, an anniversary central to his Apostolic Journey.

Turning to the first reading from Isaiah, the Pope reflected on the call for all people to “ascend the mountain of the Lord.” He emphasised the significance of the mountain image, describing it as a reminder that the fruits of God’s action are meant to be shared. The mountain, he said, stands as a beacon of light and a sign that “the joy of goodness is contagious.”

Recalling the witness of Saints Peter, Andrew, and John, the Pope underlined that their lives renew “the power of our own witness of faith.” Quoting St. John Chrysostom, he highlighted that “the allure of holiness” is a sign more powerful than miracles. He urged the faithful to watch over themselves through prayer and the sacraments, taking on the “armour of light” rather than the “works of darkness.”

Reflecting on how to contribute to peace today, the Pope turned again to Isaiah’s vision of a world where swords become ploughshares and nations cease to lift weapons against one another. He stressed the urgency of this call, inviting everyone to consider how they can foster peace, unity, and reconciliation.

The Pope then pointed to the logo of his Apostolic Journey, which features a bridge, as a symbol of these efforts. He also referred to the vast viaduct connecting Asia and Europe across the Bosporus Strait, noting that two more crossings have since been built—signs of communication and encounter.

He explained that these bridges reflect three essential bonds of unity. The first is within the Catholic Church in Türkiye, which embraces four liturgical traditions: Latin, Armenian, Chaldean, and Syriac. Each, he said, adds its own spiritual and historical richness.

The second bond is ecumenism, demonstrated by the presence of representatives of other Christian communities at the Mass. The third bond is unity with people of other faiths, especially in a world where religion can be misused to justify violence.

Pope Leo urged everyone to walk together, break down the walls of “prejudice and mistrust,” and promote understanding. He encouraged the faithful to use Advent to “make these values our resolutions,” remembering that all are on a journey towards Heaven.

Pope Urges Hope in a World Where Religion Is Used to Justify War

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