Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye marks a very important step that strengthens shared ground between the two sides. The pope, who leads the Vatican and the global Catholic community, arrived in Ankara on Thursday. He began his first overseas journey with a tour that includes Türkiye and Lebanon. He will stay in Türkiye through Sunday on an official invitation from the Turkish president.
The pope plans to visit Ankara, Istanbul, and Iznik. Iznik served as a vital center for the early Christian Church when it was known as Nicaea. His visit comes at a time of intense global tension.
Leaders Issue Joint Message in Ankara
During a joint address at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan said the pope’s visit holds great value in the current climate. He stated that messages shared from Türkiye will reach both the Turkish-Islamic world and the Christian world. He added that these messages will help strengthen global hope for peace.
Erdogan warned that intolerance fuels conflict and that conflict deepens division and hatred. He pointed to rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West as signs of this dangerous cycle. He said Türkiye chooses difficult but responsible paths to support peace and justice amid conflicts and crises.
Focus on Diplomacy and Global Crises
Erdogan noted that the pope’s consistent calls for peace and dialogue play a crucial role in diplomatic efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine war. He said Türkiye continues to follow developments closely and offers support to end the conflict.
He also addressed the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Erdogan said humanity owes justice to the Palestinian people. He stressed that a two-state solution based on 1967 borders remains the only viable path. He said Türkiye will continue joint efforts to protect the historical identity of East Jerusalem.
Erdogan condemned Israeli attacks on civilian areas in Gaza. He noted that churches and mosques have been targeted, including Gaza’s Holy Family Church. He said preserving the historical status quo in Jerusalem carries critical importance.
