Pope Leo XIV Urges Turkey to Champion Peace During His Inaugural Foreign Visit

During a significant visit to Ankara on November 27, 2025, Pope Leo XIV had a dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their meeting, hosted in the impressive national library of the Presidential Palace, was part of the pope's mission to promote world peace.

Upon his arrival in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV was greeted with formal military honors at the airport and received warmly at the presidential residence by President Erdogan. This trip marked his first journey abroad as the head of the Catholic Church, underlining the deep-rooted ties between East and West.

Pope Leo XIV communicated a plea for Turkey to play a leading role in stabilizing a world torn apart by conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. He commended Turkey for its historical role as a nexus of cultures and religions, urging it to continue acting as a mediator.

"Turkey has the potential to serve as an anchor of peace and unity between different communities," he stated, gesturing to a massive globe behind him, "especially now when fostering dialogue and peaceful collaboration is critically needed."

The pope's address to President Erdogan and other Turkish dignitaries stressed the necessity of dialogue to counteract the global escalation of hostilities, echoing previous papal concerns about conflicts worldwide.

Turkey, with its predominantly Sunni Muslim population, has been strategically involved in discussions concerning Ukraine and Gaza, offering to contribute to peacekeeping efforts. Nevertheless, its involvement has been scrutinized, especially by Israel, due to suspicions of Turkish support for Hamas.

While abstaining from mentioning specific conflicts, Pope Leo XIV echoed the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis, lamenting the ongoing global disputes likened to a fragmented third world war, and called for redirecting resources from military to humanitarian causes.

President Erdogan, in his response, highlighted the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue to secure peace in the Middle East, acknowledging the Vatican's consistent advocacy on this front. Erdogan also advocated for immediate actions to bolster the ceasefire in Gaza and safeguard humanitarian aid efforts.

Championing Women's Rights

Another pivotal aspect of Pope Leo XIV's discourse was focused on the role and rights of women in Turkey. He praised the progress women have made in societal, cultural, and political spheres, advocating for initiatives that further support their contributions.

Women's rights remain a contentious subject, especially after Turkey's controversial exit from the Istanbul Convention, which was designed to combat violence against women — a decision critics argue has weakened protections.

The pope underscored the significance of valuing women’s efforts, saying, "By enriching the community with their diverse roles, women significantly affect its global standing."

Commemorating the Council of Nicaea

The visit also coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, signaling a momentous occasion to reaffirm Christian unity. Originally convened to unify the Eastern and Western churches, the council laid the foundation for significant religious doctrines.

Pope Leo XIV plans to use this occasion to strengthen relations with the Muslim community and other Christian leaders in Istanbul through visits to sacred sites like the Blue Mosque, and by leading interfaith gatherings.

This initiative aims to dispel misconceptions about Islam and celebrate the richness of shared religious histories, promoting harmony between Christians and Muslims.

Pope Leo XIV viewed this trip as crucial not only for the Christian community but also for global peace efforts. He encouraged a future where differences in faith provoke dialogue rather than division, aiming for unity beyond religious barriers.

Personal Touches and Public Reactions

On a lighter note, Pope Leo added personal charm to the visit, exchanging Thanksgiving greetings with accompanying journalists and graciously accepting gifts that included references to his fondness for the Chicago White Sox baseball team.

Despite the significance of his visit, the general Turkish populace remains more focused on pressing economic concerns affecting their daily lives. Nonetheless, the pope's presence has brought hope and renewed focus on international diplomacy, particularly within Turkey's Christian minority.