By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Pope Leo XIV Lands in Türkiye Amid Tensions, Erdogan Pushes for Peace
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Ankara on Friday, marking his first trip abroad as head of the Vatican.
The visit, made at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will run until Sunday and includes stops in Istanbul and the historic city of Iznik, once known as Nicaea, where the early Christian Church took shape.
The Pope is also expected to travel to Lebanon after his engagements in Türkiye.
During a joint address at the presidential complex, President Erdogan described the visit as timely, given the tensions shaping regional and global politics.
He called the Pope’s presence in Türkiye “a very important step that strengthens the common ground between our communities.”
Erdogan said he was confident that the messages conveyed jointly by Türkiye and Pope Leo XIV would resonate across the Muslim and Christian worlds and help renew hope for peace.
For his part, Pope Leo XIV praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, especially its role as a mediator in conflict areas.
He expressed support for Ankara’s attempts to promote “a just and lasting peace,” adding that global conflicts carry the risk of sliding into a third world war. “The future of humanity is at stake,” he warned. “We must never allow this to happen.”
Calls for Tolerance and Dialogue
Erdogan used the occasion to reflect on rising intolerance around the world, saying that prejudice fuels conflict and further deepens division.
He pointed to growing Islamophobia and xenophobia in Western countries as examples of this dangerous pattern.
He noted that despite the turbulence surrounding the region, Türkiye remains committed to taking the more difficult road—advocating peace, justice, and cooperation.
The Turkish president also highlighted the importance of the Pope’s voice in the diplomatic push to end the Russia, Ukraine war. He said Ankara continues to monitor efforts to stop the conflict and is ready to offer support where needed.
Turning to the Middle East, Erdogan reiterated his position on the conflict in Gaza, saying that “justice is the greatest debt owed to the Palestinian people.”
He stressed that a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders remains the only viable path to peace. Erdogan also said both Türkiye and the Vatican will continue to oppose any actions that threaten the historical identity of East Jerusalem.
He accused the Israeli military of striking civilian sites in Gaza, including churches and mosques, noting that the Holy Family Church—run by the Catholic Church, was among the places hit.
Erdogan insisted that maintaining the historical status quo in Jerusalem is of “paramount importance.”
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