Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey on Thursday for his first foreign trip, continuing the late Pope Francis’ initiative to mark a significant Orthodox anniversary and deliver a message of peace. The visit comes at a crucial time, with Turkey playing a vital role in peace talks over the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.
Diplomatic Meetings and Ecumenical Goals
Leo’s chartered plane touched down in Ankara’s international airport, where he was scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and address the country’s diplomatic corps. The Pope’s visit is also significant for its ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, with planned visits to Istanbul and the Lebanese leg of the trip to follow.
Leo’s trip serves to honor the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianity’s first ecumenical council, marking a crucial point in Christian history when the eastern and western branches of the church were united before the Great Schism of 1054. The Pope is expected to pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, reinforcing ties between Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity.
Turkey’s Role as a Peace Broker
The Pope’s arrival coincides with Turkey’s growing role as a mediator in international conflicts. The country’s strong military presence and strategic position as NATO’s second-largest army, after the U.S., have drawn international attention. Turkey has been involved in facilitating talks between Russia and Ukraine and has offered assistance in stabilizing Gaza amid the fragile ceasefire.
In his arrival speech, Pope Leo may recognize Turkey’s role in fostering peace, especially in the context of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Christian-Muslim Relations and the Visit to the Blue Mosque
A key component of Leo’s trip is advancing Christian-Muslim relations. The Pope is set to visit Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and engage in interfaith meetings. Imam Asgın Tunca emphasized that the Pope’s visit would help build better understanding and challenge prejudices about Islam.
President Erdogan’s government has introduced reforms since 2002 to improve religious freedoms in Turkey, including allowing places of worship and returning confiscated property to religious groups. However, Christian communities still face challenges in registering churches and navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
Delicate Moments Ahead: Armenian Genocide Controversy
Leo’s visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul on Sunday will be a delicate moment. The cathedral has hosted all popes visiting Turkey, with the exception of Pope Francis in 2014. The pontiff’s 2015 remarks recognizing the Armenian genocide sparked a diplomatic rift with Turkey.
Pope Leo XIV is likely to tread carefully with his remarks on this sensitive issue, particularly as the Vatican seeks to balance its relationships with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Conclusion: A Trip of Diplomacy and Faith
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey is not just about religious reflection but also about using the platform to foster dialogue and peace at a time of geopolitical strife. By meeting with both political and religious leaders, he aims to bridge divides between Christian denominations, as well as between Christianity and Islam, while reinforcing Turkey’s key role in global peace efforts.
