May 20, 2025 marked the 1700 anniversary of the start of the Council of Nicea.

Pope Leo XIV plans to meet about that next week. Vatican News reported the following:

Ahead of his upcoming Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV issued on Sunday, 23 November, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Apostolic Letter ‘In unitate fidei‘ on the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
The full Letter, which has the hope of “encouraging the whole Church to renew her enthusiasm for the profession of faith,” is broken down into twelve points, and can be read in its entirety HERE.
In 2025, the Catholic Church is commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD by Emperor Constantine I in the city of Nicaea.
Pope Leo’s upcoming Journey to Türkiye will take him to Ankara, Istanbul, and İznik, once known as Nicaea, for the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council.
The ecumenical council aimed to address theological disputes and establish a unified Christian doctrine, and its outcomes included affirming Christ’s divinity and formulating the Nicene Creed.
With this in mind, Pope Leo’s Letter, first and foremost, is a call to unity.
“In the unity of faith, proclaimed since the beginning of the Church,” the Pope begins his text, “Christians have been called to walk in harmony, guarding and transmitting the gift they have received with love and joy,” recalling, ‘This is expressed in the words of the Creed, “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God…for our salvation he came down from heaven.'” 11/23/25 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-issues-apostolic-letter-in-unitate-fidei-on-nicaea.html

It is unity, not truth, which is the focus.

Pope Leo XIV wants ecumenical unity. Notice something from this past Spring:

19 May 2025
Pope Leo XIV held a special audience on Monday for ecumenical and interreligious delegations that took part in the Solemn Mass for the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry. …
Speaking first to other Christian Churches and ecclesial communities, Pope Leo XIV took note of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, emphasizing that unity among Christians “can only be unity in faith.”
He added that the pursuit of full and visible communion of all Christians is one of his priorities as Bishop of Rome. …
Turning to representatives of non-Christian religious traditions, Pope Leo XIV said our “common path” can and must be understood to involve everyone, “in a spirit of human fraternity.”
Today, he said, “is the time for dialogue and building bridges.” https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/pope-leo-xiv-now-is-the-time-for-dialogue-and-building-bridges.html

Pontifex Maximus, a title for pagan Roman Emperors, and now popes, basically means “greatest bridge builder.” By non-Christian religions, Pope Leo means Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others. He wants the 1700th anniversary of Nicea to promote ecumenical and other types of unity.

In my free eBook book titled The Last Pope of the Malachy Prophecies: Do Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Leo XIV? I have the following:

Leo XIV will be ecumenical. …
From May 20, 325 A.D./C.E. to August 325, the Roman Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicea. One of his political objectives was to get ecumenical unity in certain matters. In 2025, there are meetings to mark the 1700th anniversary of this, which are expected to include ecumenical discussions. …
we should expect Leo XIV to promote interfaith dialogue in order to build closer connections with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others.

Let me mention that the Council of Nicea did not represent “all Christendom” as no Church of God leaders attended. But that council, and subsequent ones, did result in the adoption of doctrines that the Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and most Protestants ended up accepting. Several of which were not held by the original apostles or their faithful followers.

Back in 2014, we put together the following video:

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce our latest video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:

10:44
3rd Council of Nicea in 2025?
The first ecumenical Council of Nicea was in 325 A.D. The Second Council of Nicea began in 787 A.D. The Roman Catholic Pope Francis and the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople have called for a meeting between the Orthodox and the Vatican to take place in the year 2025. What was the result of the earlier councils? Does the Bible support this 2025 meeting? What are some of the dangers?
Written information on the first Council of Nicea is included in the post Ecumenical meeting in Nicea planned for 2025: What happened in 325 and what could happen in/by 2025?

Here is a link to our video: 3rd Council of Nicea in 2025?

That said, while it was the original intent of the Vatican and the Eastern Orthodox to hold some type of ecumenical council this year, unless plans change, it does not look to be the upcoming meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew I, though the expected Joint Declaration could set that up, or perhaps substitute for it.

The Continuing Church of God also put out a more recent video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:02
Vatican’s ‘Bait & Switch’?
On June 13, 2024, the Vatican released “a new document was presented by the Dicastery for Christian Unity on the role of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) in view of an eventual unity with all the Christian Churches.” This is something that certain ecumenical ones, including Pope Francis and Cardinal Kurt Koch (the prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity) have been working on. This document is intended to reduce the relative importance of the Patriarch of Rome, compared to leaders of other faiths (and we believe many are sincere about that) to increase unity among the world’s churches. The 1700 year anniversary of Emperor Constantine’s Council of Nicea is set for 20 May 2025. This is something that the Eastern Orthodox, Vatican, various Protestants, and the World Council of Churches endorse, but not the Church of God as ‘Judeao-Christians’ also did not attend the 325 A.D. council. Some Greco-Roman prophecies are looking for a council that will result in unity and satisfy the heretics, whereas others warn against it as well as the rise of an antipope, who looks to be the final Antichrist of the Bible. Biblically, the 13 June change to the pope’s role looks like it will be a type of “bait and switch” as the False Prophet, the two-horned beast of Revelation 13:11-17 will still rise up. Might signs and lying wonders be used for worldly unity? According to an Eastern Orthodox writer, might false Marian matters be involved for that type of unification? Is there a church against the “unity of God” that Emperor Theodosius had adopted in 381 A.D.? Who could be the “secret sect” some think arises in the end times? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Vatican’s ‘Bait & Switch’?

Now some may say, they believe ecumenical unity between the Catholics of Rome, the Eastern Orthodox Catholics, and Protestants is a good thing. And if they were intent on contending earnestly for “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (June 3), it could be.

But it is not.

Now, what will be the result of the planned 2025 meeting?

As far as can be determined, both Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew hope that greater ecumenical unity will occur between their respective organizations.

Now, let me add that some Roman Catholic writings look forward to ecumenical changes as they believe it will result in the end of Protestantism and the reign of their church. The following are also in my book The Last Pope of the Malachy Prophecies: Do Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Leo XIV?:

Notice what some other Roman Catholics have written about future ecumenical plans:
Oba Prophecy: It will come when the Church authorities issue directives to support a new cult, when priests are forbidden to celebrate in any other, when the highest positions in the Church are given to perjurers and hypocrites, when only the renegades are admitted to occupy those positions.[i]
D.A. Birch (20th century): “The Pope calls an Ecumenical Council which will be viewed as the greatest in the history of the Church. The world is spiritually and materially prosperous as never before and many Jews, Mohammedans, heathens and heretics will enter the Church”.[ii] …
The Bible … teaches that the successful ecumenical religion (Revelation 13:4,8) will not have God’s approval (Revelation 14,18).
Yet, certain private prophecies seem to praise the success of this ecumenical movement:
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi (19th century): Whole nations will come back to the Church and the face of the earth will be renewed. Russia … and China will come into the Church.[iii]
St. Bridget (14th century): Before Antichrist comes, the portals of Faith will be opened to great numbers of pagans.[iv]
Venerable Magdalene Porzat (died 1850) (Great Monarch) … shall … restore to their dominions the legitimate kings. A just and pious man born in Galacia shall be the Supreme Pontiff: then the whole world will be united and prosperous. One faith only and one emperor shall reign over the whole earth.[v]
Cardinal La Roque (c. 18th century): A regeneration of Faith will appear in Asia.[vi]
Mother Alphonse Eppinger (1867): After God has purified the world faith and peace will return. Whole nations will adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.[vii]
[i] Dupont, p. 115
[ii] Birch, p. 555
[iii] Dupont, p.45
[iv] Birch, 449
[v] Connor, p. 38
[vi] Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 193
[vii] Connor, p.25

The type of ecumenical unity that came from the original Council of Nicea was terrible as it ruled against beliefs and practices of the original Christian church.

All should contend earnestly for the original faith. I pray that Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew will do so.

Before going further, let me state that I am pleased that Pope Leo XIV has come out and confirmed the original Christian view on genders–which was Jesus’ position (cf. Matthew 19:4).

As far as ecumenism goes, however, the Bible teaches that the only true unity of the faith will happen AFTER the false ecumenical movement is eliminated which happens with the return of Jesus Christ (e.g. Zechariah 2:6-11).

Sadly, many have parted from the way of truth. But all should strive to seek that.

Some items of related interest may include:

What was the Parting from the Way? What was the parting of the ways? Have most who profess Jesus as Lord gone the broad and wrong way? What does the Bible teach about continuing the original faith? Who does history show held to it? Who holds to it now? Here is a link to a related sermon: Parting from THE WAY.
Why Should American Roman Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and three video sermonette are also available: Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document! and The Chrislam Cross and the Interfaith Movement and Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Freemasonry and the Destruction of Rome? What is Freemasonry? What about ties to the Illuminati? Could Freemasons be involved in the fulfillment of prophecy? Here is a link to a related sermon: Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are? Here is a link to a related sermon: Eastern Orthodox 40+ Similar Beliefs to the CCOG.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?