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Pope Leo XIV opened his first foreign trip on Thursday by choosing a destination loaded with symbolism: Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country sitting at the crossroads of some of the world’s biggest conflicts.
From the moment he stepped off the plane, the message was clear: this visit wasn’t just ceremonial. Standing beside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, the first American pope urged Turkey to keep using its position as a bridge between East and West to help dial down global tensions.
“May Turkey be a source of stability,” he said at the presidential palace. “Today, more than ever, we need people who promote dialogue patiently, consistently, and with real conviction.”
Turkey's unique role
According to AP News, the pope avoided naming flashpoints like Gaza or Ukraine, but the implication hung in the air. Turkey has tried to position itself as a mediator in both wars, hosting talks between Moscow and Kyiv and floating the idea of joining a Gaza stabilization force. Israel rejected that offer, claiming Turkey supports Hamas, a charge Ankara denies.
Leo echoed a warning used often by his predecessor: the world is drifting into “a third world war in pieces,” with massive resources going into weapons while hunger and climate threats accelerate.
“We must not give in to this,” he said. “The future of humanity is at stake.”
Erdogan, for his part, doubled down on his government’s priorities, calling the Palestinian issue “central” to any wider peace and urging stronger protections for civilians.
A pointed nod to women
Leo also highlighted the role of women in Turkey’s political and cultural life, a meaningful choice in a country where women’s rights groups have criticized Erdogan for pulling out of the Istanbul Convention on gender-based violence.
“We must greatly value the initiatives that support families and recognize the contribution of women,” he said.
Activists say 237 women have been killed in Turkey so far this year, mostly by partners or relatives. Erdogan has announced a five-point plan to tackle the issue, but critics are pushing for stronger steps.
Next stops: Istanbul and Lebanon
From Ankara, Leo heads to Istanbul for meetings with Muslim leaders and Orthodox Christian heads, including a stop at the Blue Mosque, before flying on to Lebanon on Sunday.
The trip marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a landmark moment in early Christianity, and offers the pope a chance to strengthen ties with both Eastern churches and the Muslim world.
