Pope Leo XIV, the pinnacle of the Vatican State and religious chief of the Catholic Church, arrived in Ankara on the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Welcomed at Esenboğa Airport by Minister of Tradition and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Pope launched his Türkiye program with a go to to Anıtkabir earlier than heading to the Presidential Advanced for official talks. The ITA Airways plane carrying the Pope turned one of many most-tracked flights on Flightradar24 shortly after takeoff from Rome.
Diplomatic conferences in Ankara
Throughout his Ankara cease, Pope Leo XIV held bilateral and delegation-level conferences with President Erdoğan. The discussions targeted on Türkiye–Vatican relations, the scenario within the Center East, and world peace efforts. The Pope additionally visited the Presidency of Spiritual Affairs (Diyanet), the place he met with President Safi Arpaguş.
Erdoğan emphasizes justice and peace
Following the talks, President Erdoğan delivered messages on rising Islamophobia, world tensions, and humanitarian crises. Highlighting Türkiye’s position as a bridge between civilizations, Erdoğan said that the assembly underscored “a shared dedication to peace, justice, and human dignity.”
Pope’s message: Christians are a part of Turkish identification
Pope Leo XIV emphasised Türkiye’s distinctive place between East and West, noting that Christian communities really feel themselves an integral a part of the nation’s social cloth. He warned in opposition to escalating world conflicts and known as for dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation to guard humanity’s future.
Subsequent stops: Istanbul and İznik
The Pope will proceed his go to in Istanbul, assembly clergy at Saint Esprit Catholic Church earlier than visiting the French Hospice. On Friday, he’ll journey to İznik to guide a non secular ceremony as a part of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Closed-door assembly on the Diyanet
Pope Leo XIV’s assembly on the Presidency of Spiritual Affairs was held behind closed doorways. Senior Diyanet officers, together with members of the Excessive Council of Spiritual Affairs, attended the session.
