Apostolic Vicariate of Istanbul


The Apostolic Vicariate of Istanbul is a Roman Catholic apostolic vicariate with its see in Istanbul, Turkey. Its territory encompasses the northwestern region of the country, and is immediately subject to the Holy See. The current Vicar Apostolic is Msgr Massimiliano Palinuro.
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History

Prior to the construction of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in 1846, the Vicariate had its seat at different locations in Pera. Notably, between 1802 and 1854, the Church of the Holy Trinity served as the cathedral for the Latin Catholic community and the residence of the Apostolic Vicars.

Ecumenical relations

Despite the small number of Christians currently living in Turkey, the region's rich Christian heritage, and the fact that it is still the seat of the primus inter pares of the Orthodox Church, makes it an important staging ground for ecumenical relations and dialogue.
In an interview with pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need, before Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey, the Apostolic Vicar Massimiliano Pallinuro described these relations as follows: "The Catholic community in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, inspired by the rich history of these lands, possesses immense potential to help build bridges of fraternity in a country that has long stood as a crossroads between East and West. Here, especially in daily life and everyday interactions, we are called to dismantle the walls built by centuries-old prejudices and ideological hostilities. This is a true preparatio evangelica—a preparation for the Gospel—that unfolds through both the beauty and the challenges of human relationships."
In the same interview he went on to say that: "Here in Istanbul, ecumenical relations are definitely much stronger than anywhere else in the world."

Special churches

Cathedral

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

Minor basilicas

Other churches

Leadership

;Apostolic Vicariate of Constantinople
Erected: 15 April 1742, Latin Name: Constantinopolitanus
  • Gaspar Gasparini, O.F.M. Conv.
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  • Giuseppe Roverani
  • Giovanni Battista Bavestrelli
  • Francesco Antonio Fracchia
  • Julio Maria Pecori, O.F.M. Ref.
  • Nicolao Lorenzo Timoni
  • Giovanni Battista Fonton, O.F.M. Conv.
  • Binkentios Coressi
  • Julien-Marie-François-Xavier Hillereau
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  • Vincenzo Sardi di Rivisondoli
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;Apostolic Vicariate of Istanbul
Name Changed: 30 November 1990
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