On his first Apostolic Journey overseas, Pope Leo XIV addressed Türkiye’s authorities in Ankara, highlighting the country’s historical and cultural role as a crossroads between East and West.
He called on political and religious leaders to “embrace Türkiye’s vocation as a bridge of encounter, dialogue, and peace among nations and faiths.”
The Pope underscored the importance of mutual respect and fraternity in resolving global conflicts. He noted that modern societies “must turn away from division and hostility” to foster collaboration rooted in shared human dignity.
He praised Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing efforts to welcome refugees and promote interreligious dialogue. The Holy Father described such gestures as “signs of hope in a fractured world.”
During the meeting with the diplomatic corps, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to dialogue, peacebuilding, and humanitarian cooperation. He expressed gratitude for the longstanding relations between the Vatican and Türkiye, emphasizing that “diplomacy guided by compassion can rebuild trust among peoples.”
“Let us build bridges of fraternity, not walls of suspicion. Only then will the world find true peace,” the Pope concluded.
Pope Leo XIV, during his first Apostolic trip to Türkiye, urged nations to replace division with dialogue and to strengthen peace through fraternity and mutual respect.