July 25th marks the anniversary of the end of the Church's first ever Ecumenical Council, which took place in Nicaea in 325. The 1700th anniversary of this council will be celebrated for two years, coinciding with the Jubilee.
POPE FRANCIS
In 2025 we will celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. The Trinitarian and Christological confession of this Council, which recognizes Jesus as true God of true God, consubstantial with the Father, brings together all the baptized. In view of this great anniversary, we prepare ourselves with renewed enthusiasm to walk together on the way of Christ, on the way that is Christ.
Throughout history, 21 Ecumenical Councils have been held. Each one had a different theme. The last one celebrated by the Church was the Second Vatican Council. The encyclical Lumen Gentium is one of the most important documents that resulted from this council. In it, the role of the laity in the Church is clarified. Pope Francis has often spoken of the impact of these ecumenical meetings.
POPE FRANCIS
To rekindle her love, the Church, for the first time in history, dedicated a Council to questioning herself, to reflecting on her own nature and mission. And she rediscovered herself as a mystery of grace generated by love: she rediscovered herself as the People of God, the Body of Christ, the living temple of the Holy Spirit!
An Ecumenical Council is an opportunity for the Church to discuss doctrinal issues. The Council of Nicaea was the first effort of organizing an assembly to reach a consensus within the Church.
PA
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