Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV Emphasize Global Peace
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech after meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Vatican State, at the Beştepe Complex in Ankara. Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction at hosting the Pope and his delegation, describing Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey as his first foreign trip since assuming office and calling it highly meaningful.
Erdoğan stressed that the messages conveyed from Turkey would reach the Turk-Islamic world and the geography of Christianity, increasing hopes for global peace. He added that the visit took place during a very sensitive period in regional and global affairs, and that Turkey assumes responsibility in the face of surrounding crises, conflicts, and injustices, choosing the difficult path of peace and justice.
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war, the President said that they closely follow recent initiatives to end the conflict and strive to provide necessary support. He also emphasized the importance of addressing the causes of migration and supporting migrants. Erdoğan noted that Turkey, with its exceptional position at the heart of three continents, serves as a bridge between cultures and beliefs, and reminded that many Turkish cities host mosques, churches, and synagogues side by side.
He announced that since 2002, nearly 100 churches, monasteries, and places of worship have been restored in Turkey, and five more will be opened by the end of the year. Erdoğan underlined that all citizens of Turkey, regardless of language, religion, or ethnicity, are first-class citizens and that no one should face discrimination. Citing the teachings of Yunus Emre and Mevlana, he emphasized the importance of viewing all people equally.
Erdoğan also stated that the Palestinian issue lies at the heart of lasting peace in the region, saying that humanity’s greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice. He explained that achieving this justice requires the immediate implementation of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, adding that Israel has bombed civilian areas, including churches and mosques. He highlighted the importance of preserving the historical status of Jerusalem and warned that rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West could escalate further.
Pope Leo XIV, in his remarks, said that Turkey’s natural beauty and cultural richness invite people to protect God’s creation. He described Turkey as a bridge between East and West, Asia and Europe, and emphasized that justice and mercy must be the true criteria of development. The Pope warned that technological advances, including artificial intelligence, risk reproducing injustice and that the path of development must change.
Highlighting the importance of family in Turkish culture, the Pope said that individualism and consumer culture isolate people, while true identity is shaped through love and solidarity. He also pointed to the growing role of women in education, culture, politics, and professional life, noting that this significantly strengthens social life.
Pope Leo XIV remarked that after two world wars, the world has witnessed an era of intense tensions dominated by economic and military powers, a situation paving the way for a “third world war in stages.” He warned that the future of humanity is at risk and called for international cooperation to confront this threat.
At the end of the meeting, the Pope presented President Erdoğan with a commemorative medal featuring symbols from Lebanon and Turkey. A special commemorative stamp was also issued to mark Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey. The program was attended by Emine Erdoğan, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Numan Kurtulmuş, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, ministers, representatives of religious communities, ambassadors of several countries, and the Antakya Civilizations Choir.
