Erdogan Calls Pope’s Visit to Türkiye a ‘Vital Step’ Toward Strengthening Common Ground

ISTANBUL, Nov 28: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday described Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Türkiye as a “very important step that strengthens our common ground,” highlighting its significance amid deepening global tensions.

Pope Leo XIV, on his first foreign trip since taking office, arrived in Ankara as part of an official visit to both Türkiye and Lebanon. He will remain in Türkiye through Sunday, with scheduled stops in Istanbul and Iznik the ancient city of Nicaea, a landmark of early Christian history.

Upon arrival, the pope paid tribute at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

In a joint address at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan emphasized that the pope’s visit carries profound meaning at a time of heightened conflicts.

“I believe the messages delivered from Türkiye will reach both the Turkish-Islamic world and the Christian world and will strengthen hope for global peace,” he said.

Erdogan underscored Türkiye’s unique tradition of religious coexistence, noting that mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist side by side across the country.

He cited notable sites such as Hagia Irene Museum (Istanbul), the Neve Shalom Synagogue (Istanbul), Sumela Monastery (Trabzon), and the Akdamar Museum (Van)

Since 2002, Türkiye has restored nearly 100 churches, monasteries, and religious sites, with five more restoration projects expected to be completed by year-end.

“Every citizen, regardless of language, religion, sect, or ethnicity, is a first-class citizen of Türkiye,” Erdogan stressed. “We will not allow a single person to face discrimination.”

Erdogan noted that Pope Leo XIV, like former Pope Francis, has made symbolic gestures toward strengthening ties with the Muslim world, including visits to the Directorate of Religious Affairs and Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.

After talks with the Turkish president, the pope met Safi Arpagus, head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, in a closed-door meeting before visiting the Vatican Embassy.

Erdogan praised the pope’s stance on protecting the family institution and said:
“Regardless of our faith, we are all members of one great human family.”

Addressing rising global polarization, Erdogan warned:
“Intolerance feeds conflict, and conflict feeds division and hatred. The growing Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West are part of this dangerous cycle.”

He said Türkiye continues to take responsibility amid regional crises, choosing “the difficult path” to protect peace and justice.

Erdogan highlighted the pope’s calls for dialogue as crucial to diplomatic efforts in the Russia–Ukraine war. Türkiye, he said, remains committed to supporting any initiative aimed at ending the conflict.

Turning to the Gaza crisis, Erdogan stated:
“As a family of humanity, our greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice.”

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and praised the Vatican’s longstanding stance in defense of Palestinian rights.

Erdogan condemned Israeli attacks on civilian areas, including both mosques and churches—among them Gaza’s Holy Family Church.

“Preserving the historical status quo of Jerusalem holds critical importance,” he stressed, adding that Türkiye and the Vatican will work jointly against any actions harming East Jerusalem’s identity.

Pope Leo XIV continues his Türkiye tour with additional engagements scheduled throughout the weekend.