Pope Leo XIV begins first apostolic visit in Türkiye

Pope Leo XIV has commenced his first apostolic journey outside Italy with a significant visit to Türkiye, a strategic crossroad between East and West. The American pontiff, elected just seven months ago, arrived in the capital Ankara on Thursday for a multi-day tour that will include high-level diplomacy, ecumenical dialogue, and a historic commemoration in the ancient city of Nicaea . This visit, conducted at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscores Türkiye's growing role as a key player in interfaith dialogue and regional diplomacy .

High-Level Diplomacy in Ankara

The Pope's first day was dedicated to strengthening state-level relations. Following an official welcome at the Presidential Palace, he held a private meeting with President Erdoğan . Their discussions were expected to address the deepening of bilateral relations between Türkiye and the Vatican, as well as pressing regional and global issues, with the situation in Gaza being a primary concern . The Pope is also scheduled to meet with the country's authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps to deliver a formal address .

A Pilgrimage to the Cradle of the Creed

A spiritual highlight of the journey will be the Pope's pilgrimage to Iznik, the modern name for ancient Nicaea, on Friday . There, he will join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and other Orthodox leaders for an ecumenical prayer service to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea . This council, held in 325 AD, produced the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith. The event is a powerful symbol of the Pope's commitment to healing the centuries-old rift between the Catholic and Orthodox churches .

Interfaith Dialogue and Christian Communities in Istanbul

The pontiff's itinerary in Istanbul reflects a focus on unity and coexistence. He will engage in interfaith outreach with a visit to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque), a key gesture of dialogue with Islam . Further reinforcing the theme of Christian unity, he will hold a private meeting with leaders of various local Churches and Christian communities at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem . His schedule also includes a meeting with the country's small but resilient Christian community at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, offering encouragement and moral support .