Pope Leo began his first international journey as pontiff on Thursday, arriving in Turkey for a four-day visit focused on interfaith dialogue and strengthening diplomatic ties with the country’s leadership. The Pope received a formal welcome from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex, marking the start of a trip seen as a major early step in shaping his global outreach.
The Pope landed at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport on Thursday morning, where Turkish officials greeted him before he traveled to the presidential palace for a ceremonial reception. After reviewing an honor guard, Pope Leo held private discussions with President Erdogan. According to senior officials, the conversation centered on global peace efforts, the conflict in Gaza, and broader relations between Turkey and the Vatican.
A core focus of the visit is promoting understanding between Christianity and Islam. Pope Leo’s itinerary includes stops at Istanbul’s Sultanahmet District, where he will visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque-two of the most significant religious sites in the region. He is also set to celebrate Mass and meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Church of St. George, a key center of the Orthodox Christian world.
This marks the fourth papal visit to Turkey in modern history, following trips by earlier Popes including Benedict XVI in 2006 and Francis in 2014. Observers say Pope Leo’s decision to begin his international travel with a visit to Turkey underscores the Vatican’s emphasis on Christian-Muslim relations and its desire to strengthen dialogue with the Orthodox Church.
Security has been significantly heightened for the duration of the trip. Turkish authorities have restricted large public gatherings, although the pontiff is expected to make several public appearances in Istanbul. His motorcade through Ankara drew modest crowds despite tightened security measures.
Analysts note that the visit may also carry diplomatic weight at a time when Turkey’s relations with Western nations have faced strain. Discussions between the Pope and President Erdogan are expected to touch on regional stability and humanitarian issues across the Middle East. For Pope Leo, the journey represents an early opportunity to establish his diplomatic approach and reinforce the Vatican’s role as a global voice for peace.
