Pope Leo XIV embarks on his inaugural foreign journey to Turkey, fulfilling the late Pope Francis’ vision to commemorate a significant Orthodox milestone and promote peace in a region grappling with the Ukraine war and Middle East tensions. The pontiff’s itinerary begins in Ankara, where he will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and address the diplomatic corps, followed by a three-day ecumenical and interfaith engagement in Istanbul before proceeding to Lebanon. Turkey, a predominantly Sunni Muslim nation of over 85 million, has positioned itself as a pivotal mediator in peace negotiations for Ukraine and Gaza, hosting talks between Russia and Ukraine and proposing a stabilization force in Gaza. Pope Leo’s visit coincides with these efforts, and his arrival speech is expected to acknowledge Turkey’s role. Despite Turkey’s growing military influence as NATO’s second-largest army, domestic challenges such as a cost-of-living crisis have overshadowed international politics for many citizens. While the visit has garnered limited attention among Turks outside the Christian community, some view it as a potential U.S.-driven initiative, possibly linked to reopening the Greek Orthodox seminary in Turkey. The primary purpose of Leo’s trip is to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianity’s first ecumenical council. He will pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the historic site in Iznik and sign a joint declaration symbolizing Christian unity. The visit also aims to strengthen Catholic-Muslim relations, with Leo scheduled to visit Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and lead an interfaith meeting. Imam Asgın Tunca emphasized the visit’s potential to foster mutual understanding and dispel misconceptions about Islam. While Turkey has made strides in religious freedoms under Erdogan’s government, challenges persist for Christian groups, including the Catholic Church, which lacks formal legal recognition. Rev. Paolo Pugliese highlighted the Church’s international profile and the pope’s support as crucial assets. A delicate moment awaits Leo during his visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, given the historical tensions over the Armenian genocide. Unlike Pope Francis, who labeled the event as genocide in 2015, Leo is expected to tread cautiously to avoid diplomatic fallout. The Vatican also faces scrutiny over its relations with Armenia amid its outreach to Azerbaijan.
Pope Leo XIV opens first foreign trip with visit to Turkey that highlights religious, political ties
