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.
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 (which was then a Latin church under Austrian protection) served as the cathedral for the Latin Catholic community and the residence of the Apostolic Vicars.
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 evangelicaâÂÂa preparation for the GospelâÂÂthat 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."
Erected: 15 April 1742, Latin Name: Constantinopolitanus
...
...
...
...
...
Name Changed: 30 November 1990