Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Turkey, Set to Meet President Erdoğan on a Diplomatic Outreach

Landing in Ankara

Pope Leo XIV touched down at Esenboğa Airport in Ankara early this morning, marking the first stop of his two‑nation itinerary that also includes a visit to Lebanon. The pontiff was greeted by a delegation of Turkish officials and local clergy before being escorted to the presidential palace.

Meeting with President Erdoğan

The Pope is scheduled to hold a private audience with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan later today. Both leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation, particularly in the fields of religious freedom, humanitarian aid, and regional stability.

Message of Outreach

In a brief statement released by the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV emphasized his desire to “build bridges of dialogue and compassion” between the Catholic Church and the predominantly Muslim nation. He highlighted the importance of “shared values of peace, justice, and respect for human dignity” as a foundation for future collaboration.

Broader Context of the Trip

The Turkish visit is the opening leg of a broader Middle‑East tour that will see the Pope travel to Lebanon next, where he plans to meet with political leaders, religious figures, and civil‑society representatives. Observers note that the timing of the trip coincides with heightened tensions in the region, making the Pope’s outreach efforts particularly significant.

Reactions

Turkish officials have welcomed the Pope’s arrival, describing it as “a positive step toward strengthening interfaith dialogue.” Meanwhile, international commentators view the meeting as an opportunity for both sides to address common challenges such as migration, climate change, and the plight of minority communities.