Pope Leo XIV trip to Türkiye revives hopes for Halki seminary reopening

As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his first overseas trip to Türkiye, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, renewed optimism has emerged over the possible reopening of the Halki Theological School, a Greek Orthodox seminary shuttered since 1971.

Located on Heybeliada Island near Istanbul, the seminary trained generations of Greek Orthodox clergy, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of some 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, AP reports.

Momentum for reopening increased after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed the matter with US President Donald Trump, pledging that Türkiye would “do our part.”

Renovations at the seminary are ongoing, with one floor of clergy quarters and two classrooms completed and ready to welcome students.

Archbishop Elpidophoros, head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, told The Associated Press, “Türkiye is now ready to make the big step forward for the benefit of Türkiye, for the benefit of the minorities and for the benefit of religious and minority rights in this country.” A committee comprising representatives from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Turkish government has begun discussions, with hopes the seminary could reopen by the next academic year.

By Vafa Guliyeva