Pope Leo XIV meets Erdogan in Ankara, calls for global peace

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — Nov. 27, 2025

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey today for a significant diplomatic and spiritual tour, beginning with a formal reception by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The visit, which underscores the Vatican's focus on interfaith dialogue and regional stability, featured a strong joint message against the escalation of global conflicts.

Following a private meeting, the two leaders addressed an audience at the Nation's Library. Pope Leo XIV warned against the normalization of global warfare, echoing his predecessor's sentiments regarding a fragmented "Third World War."

"We must not allow this! The future of humanity is at stake," the Pope declared, expressing his wish for Turkey to serve as a source of stability and convergence between peoples by serving "a just and lasting peace."

President Erdogan, in turn, highlighted the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, emphasizing a unified stance against actions that threaten the historical identity of East Jerusalem. Prior to the meeting, the Pope paid his respects at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

A historic gathering in Iznik

After concluding his diplomatic engagements in the capital, the Pope traveled to Istanbul this evening. His itinerary includes meetings with the Chief Rabbi of Turkey and a visit to the Holy Spirit Cathedral. However, the spiritual centerpiece of the trip is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28, in the district of Iznik (ancient Nicaea).

In Iznik, Pope Leo XIV will join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew near the ruins of the ancient Basilica of St. Neophytos for an ecumenical prayer service. This event marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Christian history. The commemoration was originally planned by the late Pope Francis, who passed away in April, and was rescheduled for this visit.

Bridging faiths in Istanbul

The Pope's schedule in Istanbul is densely packed with symbolic gestures of unity. On Saturday, Nov. 29, he will visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) for a moment of silent prayer, followed by visits to the Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church and the St. George Patriarchal Church.

He is expected to sign a joint declaration with Patriarch Bartholomew and lead a Holy Mass at the Volkswagen Arena for approximately 4,000 attendees. The Vatican has emphasized that while Turkey's constitution guarantees freedom of worship, this visit aims to highlight the challenges faced by religious minorities and strengthen the horizon of unity with the Orthodox Church.

Following his itinerary in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart for Lebanon on Dec. 2.

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