Turkish president calls Pope Leo’s visit “crucial step” for global peace

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye as “a very important step that strengthens our common ground,” highlighting the diplomatic and symbolic significance of the pontiff’s trip amid regional and global tensions.

Pope Leo XIV, head of state of the Vatican, arrived in Ankara on his first foreign visit, which includes Türkiye and Lebanon. The official visit, at the invitation of President Erdogan, will continue through November 30. In addition to Ankara, the pope is scheduled to visit Istanbul and Iznik, a historic site for the early Christian Church, known in antiquity as Nicaea, Anadolu Agency reports.

Addressing the press at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the timeliness of the visit.

“I believe the messages to be delivered from Türkiye (with Pope Leo XIV) will reach the Turkish-Islamic world and the Christian world, and will strengthen hope for peace around the globe,” he said.

Speaking on issues of coexistence and interfaith understanding, Erdogan warned: “Intolerance feeds conflict, and conflict feeds division and hatred. The rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West are manifestations of this vicious cycle.”

Amid regional conflicts, crises, and injustices, he said Türkiye chooses the more challenging path to uphold peace and justice. Erdogan also underscored the pope’s calls for dialogue as crucial for ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that Türkiye continues to monitor developments closely and provides support as needed.

Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Erdogan stated: “As the family of humanity, our greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice. The way to pay this debt is to implement a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.”

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to safeguarding the historical identity of East Jerusalem, saying, “I believe we will continue to act jointly against any aggressive actions that may harm the historical identity of East Jerusalem.”

Erdogan condemned Israeli military actions targeting civilian areas in Gaza, including churches and mosques, highlighting Gaza’s Holy Family Church, administered by the Catholic Church, as one of the affected places of worship. He stressed that “preserving the historical status quo” in Jerusalem is of critical importance.

By Vafa Guliyeva