Erdoğan welcomed Pope Leo XIV in Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan officially welcomed Vatican Head of State Pope Leo XIV at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. A cavalry unit escorted the Pope’s official vehicle to the protocol gate, preparing for his arrival. Erdoğan greeted the Pope at the main entrance of the Presidential Complex. After both leaders took their places at the ceremonial stand, the national anthems of the two countries were played, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. Pope Leo XIV also greeted the honor guard by saying “Hello soldiers.” During the ceremony, flags and soldiers representing 16 Turkic states established throughout history were displayed.
Following the welcoming ceremony, President Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV introduced their delegations and posed for the press in front of the flags of Turkey and the Vatican. Afterwards, a private meeting between the two leaders was held, lasting about half an hour. Subsequently, a joint session of the two countries’ delegations was chaired by Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV at the Presidential Complex.
At these meetings, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Chief Private Secretary Hasan Doğan, and Presidential Chief Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç accompanied Erdoğan. In addition, Presidential Secretary General Haki Susmaz and Akipil Çağa Şahin were also present at the ceremony.
Pope Leo XIV’s program in Turkey also included a visit to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara. After laying a wreath and paying his respects, the Pope took a commemorative photo. He then proceeded to the “National Pact Tower” and signed the mausoleum’s special guestbook. In his note, the Pope wrote: “I thank God for being able to travel to Turkey, and I wish abundant peace and prosperity for this country and its people.”
As part of the ongoing visit, Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV are scheduled to deliver speeches to guests at the Cihanuma Hall in the Presidential National Library.
