Pope Leo XIV commenced his inaugural foreign trip in Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday, advocating for stability and dialogue amidst ongoing global conflicts.
Official Engagements
Upon his arrival, the American Pontiff was received by a military guard of honor and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace. Addressing Erdogan and the country's diplomatic corps, Leo XIV highlighted Turkey's historical role as a bridge between East and West, emphasizing its position at the crossroads of religions and cultures. He expressed a desire for Turkey to serve as a source of stability and rapprochement, contributing to a just and lasting peace, and stressed the necessity of promoting dialogue with firm will and patient resolve.
Global Conflicts and Peace Initiatives
This visit occurs as Turkey positions itself as a key intermediary in efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Turkey has hosted discussions with both Russia and Ukraine and has offered to participate in a stabilization force in Gaza. Israel, which has had strained relations with Turkey, has rejected Turkish involvement, accusing Ankara of supporting Hamas.
Leo XIV did not explicitly name these conflicts but referenced his predecessor, Pope Francis, by describing current global wars as a "third world war fought piecemeal." He lamented the allocation of resources to armaments instead of combating hunger and poverty and protecting the environment, asserting that humanity's future is at stake.
President Erdogan, in his address, underscored the centrality of the Palestinian issue to achieving regional peace. He praised the Vatican's stance on the matter and called for immediate steps to reinforce the Gaza ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery.
Women's Role and Rights
Leo XIV also commented on the role of women in Turkey, acknowledging their increasing participation in professional, cultural, and political life and their contributions to the community and international affairs. He supported initiatives aimed at strengthening families and enhancing women's social contributions.
This statement was made in a context where women's rights advocates have criticized Turkey's 2021 withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a European treaty designed to protect women from violence. According to the advocacy group We Will Stop Femicide, 237 women were killed in Turkey in 2025, primarily by spouses, partners, or relatives, with an additional 247 deaths recorded under suspicious circumstances. President Erdogan recently unveiled a five-point plan to address violence against women, focusing on promoting respect, strengthening legal protections, and rehabilitating perpetrators.
Itinerary and Historical Significance
Following engagements in Ankara, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Istanbul for meetings and prayers with Orthodox Christian leaders and representatives of Turkey's majority Muslim community. His Istanbul itinerary includes a visit to the Blue Mosque and an interfaith gathering. He is scheduled to proceed to Lebanon on Sunday.
A primary motivation for Leo XIV's visit to Turkey is to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a significant gathering of bishops from across the Roman Empire before the Great Schism of 1054, which divided the Eastern and Western churches.
The visit also seeks to reinforce relations between the Church and Muslim communities. Asgın Tunca, an Imam at the Blue Mosque, expressed that the visit could advance Christian-Muslim ties and dispel existing prejudices about Islam.
Papal Reflections and Public Reception
Speaking to reporters during his flight, Leo XIV described his first foreign trip as historic, emphasizing its importance for Christians and for fostering global peace. He conveyed a message of unity and harmony among individuals, regardless of their differences in religion or beliefs. He also acknowledged Thanksgiving Day for American journalists on board, receiving gifts that included pumpkin pies and Chicago White Sox baseball memorabilia.
Public attention to Leo XIV's visit in Turkey has been limited, reportedly due to ongoing domestic economic concerns, including a cost-of-living crisis. A local artist, Fatma Cicek Geyik, commented that while the visit would bring some positivity, its significance should not be overstated within the context of Turkey's historical standing.