Pope Leo XIV Urges Turkey to Promote Peace on First International Visit

Pope Leo XIV's Message of Peace and Unity

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope to embark on a foreign trip, has made his mark by emphasizing peace and dialogue during his visit to Turkey. His journey began in Ankara, where he addressed the need for stability and rapprochement between nations. The Pope’s speech highlighted the importance of fostering unity amid global conflicts, particularly those in Ukraine and Gaza.

A Bridge Between East and West

During his arrival in Ankara, Pope Leo was welcomed with a military guard of honor and received at the presidential palace by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In a speech delivered at a library within the palace complex, the Pope praised Turkey’s historical role as a bridge between East and West, noting its position at the crossroads of religions and cultures.

“May Turkey be a source of stability and rapprochement between peoples, in service of a just and lasting peace,” he said, standing before a giant globe. “Today, more than ever, we need people who will promote dialogue and practice it with firm will and patient resolve.”

Turkey’s Role in Global Conflicts

Turkey, home to over 85 million predominantly Sunni Muslim citizens, has positioned itself as a key intermediary in efforts to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The country has hosted talks with Russia and Ukraine, and has offered to participate in a stabilization force in Gaza. However, Israel, which has had tense relations with Turkey, has ruled out any role for Turkish troops in the force.

While the Pope did not directly reference these conflicts, he echoed the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by lamenting that current global wars represent a “third world war fought piecemeal.” He emphasized the need to focus on fighting hunger, poverty, and protecting the environment rather than investing in armaments.

A Call for Global Peace

After two world wars, the Pope noted that the world is now experiencing a heightened level of conflict. “We must not give into this! The future of humanity is at stake,” he said. His message resonated with President Erdogan, who highlighted the importance of the Palestinian issue in achieving regional peace.

Erdogan also called for immediate steps to strengthen the ceasefire in Gaza, protect civilians, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.

Women’s Rights in Turkey

The Pope’s speech was closely watched, as it set the tone for his visit. This is especially significant given that it is the first foreign trip for the first American pope, who will deliver all his remarks in English. During his address, the Pope also commented on the plight of women in Turkey.

“Women, in particular, through their studies and active participation in professional, cultural and political life, are increasingly placing themselves at the service of your community and its positive influence on the international scene,” he said. “We must greatly value then the important initiatives in this regard, which support the family and the contribution that women make toward the full flowering of social life.”

Despite these comments, women’s rights activists continue to criticize President Erdogan’s 2021 withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at protecting women from violence. According to advocacy group We Will Stop Femicide, 237 women have been killed in Turkey so far in 2025, most by husbands, partners, or relatives.

A Historic Anniversary

The main reason for Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey is to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a significant gathering of bishops from across the Roman Empire. This event marked a time when the Eastern and Western churches were still united, before the Great Schism of 1054.

The visit also serves to reinforce the Vatican’s relationship with Muslims. Pope Leo is scheduled to visit the Blue Mosque and preside over an interfaith meeting in Istanbul. Asgın Tunca, a Blue Mosque imam, expressed hope that the visit would help advance Christian-Muslim ties and dispel prejudices about Islam.

A Personal Touch

Speaking to reporters on board his plane, Pope Leo acknowledged the historic nature of his first foreign trip. He expressed his excitement about the visit, noting its significance for promoting peace and unity. “And to invite all people to come together to search for greater unity, greater harmony, and to look for the ways that all men and women can truly be brothers and sisters in spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs.”

The Pope also shared some light-hearted moments with reporters, noting that Thanksgiving in the United States was on the same day. He greeted the 80 or so reporters traveling aboard the papal plane with a cheerful “Happy Thanksgiving!” and even received gifts such as pumpkin pies, a baseball bat, and White Sox-branded slippers and socks.

Public Reaction in Turkey

The Pope’s visit has largely gone unnoticed by many in Turkey, outside of the small Christian community. While there is widespread support for Palestinians and for ending the war in Ukraine, many Turks are more concerned with domestic issues, such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Fatma Cicek Geyik, a 57-year-old artist, expressed that while the Pope’s visit brings joy, it should not be exaggerated. “He’s welcome, his visit will bring joy. But I don’t see it as something to exaggerate too much,” she said. “They will leave just as they came.”