Pope Leo XIV Urges Turkey to Lead Global Peace Efforts on Historic First Overseas Trip Amidst Conflicts & Interfaith Dialogue

Pope Leo XIV Urges Turkey to Champion Global Peace on Historic First Foreign Trip

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his inaugural foreign journey as pontiff, choosing Turkey as his first destination to deliver a powerful message of peace and stability in a world grappling with escalating conflicts. Arriving in Ankara on Thursday, November 27, 2025, the American Pope was greeted with full honors, including a military guard and a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace.

A Call for Stability and Dialogue

During his address to President Erdogan and Turkey's diplomatic corps, delivered in the national library, Pope Leo XIV lauded Turkey's unique historical position as a nexus of Eastern and Western cultures, religions, and dialogues. He passionately appealed for Turkey to serve as a beacon of reconciliation and stability, essential for achieving a just and lasting global peace. “More than ever, we need individuals committed to promoting and practicing dialogue with unwavering resolve,” he stated, echoing his predecessor Pope Francis’s lament that current global strife amounts to a “third world war fought piecemeal.”

Turkey's Role in Global Mediation

Turkey, a nation of over 85 million predominantly Sunni Muslims, has actively positioned itself as a crucial mediator in international disputes, notably hosting talks aimed at resolving the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Ankara has also offered to contribute to a stabilization force in Gaza. While Pope Leo XIV did not explicitly name these conflicts, his message underscored the urgency of diverting resources from warfare to humanitarian efforts, combating hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation.

President Erdogan, in turn, highlighted the centrality of the Palestinian issue to regional peace, commending the Vatican’s consistent stance. He emphasized the need for immediate action to solidify the Gaza ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid.

Valuing Women and Rights Debates

A notable aspect of Pope Leo XIV’s address was his focus on the vital role of women in Turkish society. He praised their increasing contributions to professional, cultural, and political life, stressing the importance of initiatives that support families and empower women for the full flourishing of social life. This commentary comes amidst ongoing debates over women’s rights in Turkey, particularly following the country’s 2021 withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty designed to protect women from violence. Despite a new five-point plan unveiled by Erdogan to combat violence against women, advocacy groups like We Will Stop Femicide reported 237 women killed and 247 found dead under suspicious circumstances in Turkey in 2025 alone.

Interfaith Dialogue and Historical Significance

Following his engagements in Ankara, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel to Istanbul for meetings and prayers with Orthodox Christian leaders and representatives of Turkey’s Muslim community. He will then proceed to Lebanon on Sunday. A significant motivation for this trip is the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in early Christian history that occurred when Eastern and Western churches were still unified. The visit also aims to bolster interfaith relations, with the Pope slated to visit the historic Blue Mosque and preside over an interfaith meeting.

Asgın Tunca, an imam at the Blue Mosque, expressed optimism that the papal visit would enhance Christian-Muslim understanding and help dispel misconceptions about Islam. “We want to reflect that image by showing the beauty of our religion through our hospitality – that is God’s command,” Tunca remarked.

Reflections and Local Reception

Reflecting on the historic nature of his first international trip, Pope Leo XIV shared his enthusiasm for promoting greater unity, harmony, and brotherhood among all people, irrespective of their religious and cultural differences. He also lightened the mood by wishing American reporters a “Happy Thanksgiving” and received humorous gifts, including pumpkin pies and White Sox memorabilia, referencing his beloved Chicago baseball team.

Despite the global significance, public attention to the Pope’s visit in Turkey itself has been somewhat muted outside the country's small Christian community, largely overshadowed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Artist Fatma Cicek Geyik acknowledged the potential for joy but cautioned against overstating its importance, viewing it as a transient event in Turkey’s rich history.