Ankara, Turkey – November 27, 2025 – In a poignant address that underscored the fragility of world peace, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, cautioned civic leaders and lawmakers in Turkey against succumbing to a "heightened level of conflict on the global level," evoking the specter of a "Third World War fought piecemeal." Delivered against the backdrop of escalating regional wars, including the protracted conflict in Gaza and recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the speech marked the opening of Leo XIV's inaugural international journey as leader of the Catholic Church. The six-day apostolic visit, spanning Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2, is poised to emphasize themes of interfaith dialogue, ecumenical unity, and humanitarian solidarity, building on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on September 14, 1955, ascended to the papacy on May 8, 2025, following Francis's death in April of that year. As the 267th pope and the first from the United States, as well as the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, Leo XIV chose his regnal name to honor Leo XIII's social teachings amid modern challenges like artificial intelligence and economic disparity. His election, announced with the traditional "Habemus papam" from St. Peter's Basilica, was met with global acclaim for its promise of bridging progressive and traditionalist divides within the Church. Yet, this trip represents Leo's most significant diplomatic foray yet, testing his mettle in geopolitically volatile terrains where Christianity's ancient roots intersect with contemporary strife.
Upon landing at Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara on Thursday morning, Pope Leo was warmly received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who described the visit as occurring at a "highly critical time" amid mounting regional tensions. The pontiff's Alitalia flight, dubbed "Shepherd One" for the occasion, carried over 80 journalists from 15 countries, a testament to the event's international resonance. In a light-hearted moment aboard the papal plane, Leo XIV extended Thanksgiving greetings to Americans, wishing families "a day filled with gratitude and togetherness," while thanking the press for amplifying "the truth and harmony the world so desperately needs." This nod to his Midwestern roots—Prevost grew up in Dolton, Illinois, in a mixed-race family with deep Catholic ties—humanized the pope, whose early life included education at Mendel Catholic High School and missionary work in Peru.
The centerpiece of the day unfolded at the Presidential Palace, where Leo XIV addressed an assembly of Turkish dignitaries, diplomats, and religious figures. "We are now experiencing a phase marked by a heightened level of conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and military power," he declared, directly quoting Francis's characterization of piecemeal warfare. He lambasted "ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace," asserting, "We must in no way give in to this. The future of humanity is at stake." This stark assessment, Leo's first major foreign policy statement since May, arrives amid a cascade of crises: Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year; the Israel-Hamas war, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives; and Hezbollah-Israel clashes that have displaced thousands in southern Lebanon.
Erdoğan, in his response, lauded Leo's "strong stance" on Palestinian dignity and human rights, referencing the fragile Gaza ceasefire brokered in late 2024. "The ceasefire reached in Gaza must be reinforced, the safety of civilians must be guaranteed, and humanitarian aid must reach Gaza without any interruptions," the Turkish leader urged, echoing Vatican calls for unimpeded aid corridors. The dialogue highlighted Turkey's pivotal role as a mediator, having hosted Hamas leaders and facilitated prisoner swaps.
The pontiff's itinerary in Turkey weaves historical reverence with interreligious outreach. Earlier, Leo laid a wreath at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the secular Turkish Republic, symbolizing respect for the nation's modern identity. He then visited the Diyanet, Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs, and met with Chief Rabbi Isaac Haleva, fostering ties in a country where Christians number only a small minority amid reports of challenges facing religious minorities. These gestures align with Leo's emphasis on "unity" and "peace," as he stated en route: a quest for brotherhood "in spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs."
As the day progressed, Pope Leo departed Ankara for Istanbul, arriving amid cheers at Atatürk Airport. There, he is scheduled to meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual head of the Eastern Orthodox faithful, at the Phanar. Their encounter forms the heart of the trip's ecumenical dimension, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Held in modern-day Iznik (ancient Nicaea), the council—convened by Emperor Constantine—formulated the Nicene Creed, affirming Christ's divinity and establishing foundational Christian doctrine. Pope Francis had planned to attend these celebrations but was sidelined by health issues; Leo XIV, fulfilling that vision, recently released an apostolic letter urging Christians to transcend outdated theological disputes and rediscover Nicaea's shared creed.
The anniversary, observed throughout 2025 by Christian bodies worldwide, underscores Nicaea's enduring legacy: not just doctrinal clarity but a model of unity for today's ecumenical efforts. Leo and Bartholomew will travel to Iznik on November 28 for joint prayers at an ancient Christian site by Lake Iznik.
The trip's second leg in Lebanon, from November 30 to December 2, arrives in a nation reeling from economic collapse, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and recent conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon's significant Christian population, including a vibrant Maronite community, has faced increasing pressures, with many young people emigrating amid instability.
In Beirut, Leo will meet Lebanese political leaders, pray at the site of the 2020 explosion, visit Saint Charbel's tomb, and engage with Muslim and Druze representatives, reinforcing interfaith bonds in a multi-confessional society. Youth gatherings will address emigration and hope for the future.
These stops are inseparable from the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The July 2025 Israeli strike on Gaza's only Catholic church, Holy Family Parish, which killed civilians sheltering there, has cast a long shadow. The incident drew sharp condemnation from the Vatican and underscored the human cost of the conflict.
Experts view this journey as Leo's defining early moment on the world stage. In a region torn by division, his message of peace, unity, and shared humanity—delivered from ancient Christian heartlands—seeks to remind believers and leaders alike that dialogue remains the path beyond violence.
As night fell over Istanbul on Thursday, with hymns of hope rising from welcoming crowds, Pope Leo XIV's pilgrimage had begun: a journey not just across nations, but toward a more fraternal world.
