ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday called Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye a “very important step that strengthens our common ground.”

Pope Leo XIV, head of state of the Vatican, arrived in the Turkish capital Ankara on his first trip abroad, including both Türkiye and Lebanon. The pope will be in Türkiye through Sunday on an official visit at the invitation of the Turkish president. Besides Ankara, he is scheduled to visit Istanbul and Iznik, a historic site for the early Christian Church, when it was known as Nicaea.

Earlier, he paid respects at Anitkabir, the Ankara mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

In a joint address at the presidential complex in Ankara, Erdogan said the pope’s visit comes at a highly critical moment amid regional and global tensions.

“I believe the messages to be delivered from Türkiye (with Pope Leo XIV) will reach the Turkish-Islamic world and the Christian world, and will strengthen hope for peace around the globe,” Erdogan said.

‘Mosques, churches, synagogues stand side by side in Türkiye’

The Turkish president highlighted Türkiye’s tradition of religious coexistence, noting that mosques, churches, and synagogues often stand side by side in cities across the country.

He cited examples including Istanbul’s Hagia Irene Museum and Neve Shalom Synagogue, Trabzon’s Sumela Monastery, and Van’s Akdamar Museum.

“Since taking office in 2002, we have completed the restoration of nearly 100 churches, monasteries, and other places of worship,” Erdogan said, adding that five more restored sites are expected to open by the end of the year.

He emphasized inclusivity, saying: “Every one of our citizens, regardless of language, religion, sect, or ethnic background, is a first-class citizen of the Republic of Türkiye. We will not allow even a single person to face discrimination.”

Erdogan said Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessor Pope Francis, saw his visits to Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs and Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque as a sign of his commitment to fostering constructive relations with Muslims.

After having private and delegation-level talks with the Turkish president, the pope met Safi Arpagus, head of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, in a closed-door meeting. He also visited the Vatican Embassy in Ankara.

The Turkish leader highlighted the pope’s strong statements regarding the protection of the institution of the family amid rising threats and said: “Regardless of our faith, we are all members of one great human family.”

'Intolerance feeds conflict'

Amid wider debates over discrimination and peaceful coexistence, Erdogan said: “Intolerance feeds conflict, and conflict feeds division and hatred. The rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West are manifestations of this vicious cycle.”

He said that in the midst of surrounding conflicts, crises, and injustices, Türkiye takes responsibility, choosing the difficult path over the easy one to uphold peace and justice.

The Turkish president also said that the pope’s calls for peace and dialogue are highly significant for the success of the diplomatic process in the Russia-Ukraine war. Türkiye is closely monitoring recent efforts to bring an end to the conflict and is working to offer the necessary support and assistance, he added.

'Greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice'

On the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Erdogan said: “As the family of humanity, our greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice. The way to pay this debt is to implement a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.”

He said Türkiye has consistently appreciated Pope Leo XIV and his predecessors for their firm stance on the Palestinian issue.

“I believe we will continue to act jointly against any aggressive actions that may harm the historical identity of East Jerusalem,” Turkish president added.

Erdogan said the Israeli military is targeting civilian areas in Gaza, including churches and mosques, noting that one of the affected places of worship was Gaza’s Holy Family Church, which is run by the Catholic Church.

“Preserving the historical status quo” in the Holy City of Jerusalem carries “critical importance,” the Turkish president stressed.