ANKARA – In a moment rich with symbolism and diplomatic significance, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was formally welcomed to the Presidential Palace in Ankara on Tuesday, marking the commencement of his landmark Apostolic Journey to the Republic of Türkiye.
The newly elected Pontiff, on his first international visit, engaged in private talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a meeting watched closely by observers of interfaith dialogue and international relations.
A Ceremony of State and Spirit
Under crisp autumn skies, the pageantry of a state welcome set the stage. A military honor guard stood at attention as the Pope’s motorcade arrived at the grand palace. Pope Leo XIV, dressed in simple white cassock, was greeted by President Erdoğan at the entrance, a gesture underscoring the importance Ankara places on the visit.
The two leaders then proceeded to a one-on-one meeting in the president’s office, followed by an expanded delegation meeting. While the full details of their discussion remain private, official statements from both sides highlighted key themes.
Dialogue and Diplomacy: The Core of the Talks
According to a press release from the Holy See, the conversations were “cordial and constructive,” focusing on the role of faith in promoting peace and the need for fraternity among all peoples.
“The Holy Father expressed his deep respect for the Turkish nation and its rich history, and emphasized the Catholic Church’s desire to work collaboratively for the common good, especially in assisting those suffering from conflict and poverty in the region,” the statement read.
From the Turkish side, the presidential office noted that the meeting “provided an valuable opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between cultures and religions.” Discussions reportedly touched upon bilateral relations, the situation in the Holy Land, and the protection of religious sites and communities within Türkiye.
A key point of the dialogue was the status of the Hagia Sophia. It is understood that the Pope, while acknowledging the complex history of the monument, reiterated the Vatican’s long-standing hope for its accessibility as a place of Christian prayer and reflection, a sentiment he expressed with diplomatic nuance.
A Journey of Bridges
This first day of the Apostolic Journey sets a powerful tone for the rest of the visit. By choosing Türkiye—a nation that bridges Europe and Asia, and is overwhelmingly Muslim yet stewards profound Christian history—Pope Leo XIV is visibly continuing the legacy of his predecessors in building bridges between the Catholic Church and the Islamic world.
The meeting in Ankara was more than a protocol event; it was a deliberate step in fostering mutual understanding at a time when global tensions often run high.
What’s Next for the Pontiff?
Following his engagements in the capital, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel to Istanbul. His itinerary includes a highly anticipated ecumenical prayer service at the Church of St. George with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, a meeting that will highlight the ongoing quest for Christian unity. He is also expected to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, gestures of interfaith respect that are sure to capture the world’s attention.
