Pope Leo XIV Begins First Foreign Trip to Turkey, Fostering Ties

Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first foreign trip, visiting Turkey on March 14, 2024. This significant journey fulfills the late Pope Francis’s vision to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and deliver a message of peace amid ongoing conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East.

Upon his arrival, Pope Leo will first meet with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, in the capital city of Ankara. The Pope is expected to address the country’s diplomatic corps before proceeding to Istanbul. His itinerary includes three days dedicated to ecumenical and interfaith dialogues, emphasizing the importance of his visit in bridging religious divides.

Turkey, with a population exceeding 85 million, predominantly composed of Sunni Muslims, has positioned itself as a critical mediator in global peace negotiations. The country has facilitated discussions between Russia and Ukraine and expressed intentions to contribute to peacekeeping efforts in Gaza. Pope Leo’s visit aligns with these diplomatic efforts and is likely to highlight Turkey’s growing influence.

Despite these significant international undertakings, many in Turkey are preoccupied with domestic issues, particularly the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. As a result, the Pope’s visit has not garnered extensive public attention, aside from the nation’s small Christian community. Local residents such as Sukran Celebi expressed a mix of welcome and skepticism, indicating that while the Pope’s call for peace is appreciated, its impact may be minimal.

Some locals perceive the visit through a political lens, speculating that it serves U.S. interests or aims to address the contentious issue of reopening a Greek Orthodox seminary, a focal point in discussions about religious freedoms in Turkey. Business owner Metin Erdem articulated this view, suggesting that the Pope’s presence implies a larger political agenda.

One core purpose of this visit is to commemorate the historic Council of Nicaea, where the foundations of Christian unity were laid in 325 AD. Pope Leo is scheduled to pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, at the original site in Iznik, Turkey. This event is anticipated as a symbolic gesture of Christian solidarity, particularly given the historical schism that occurred in 1054.

Pope Leo’s visit also presents an opportunity to strengthen interfaith relations. He plans to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and engage in discussions aimed at fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue. Imam Asgın Tunca of the Blue Mosque expressed optimism, emphasizing the significance of demonstrating the beauty of Islam through hospitality.

Since taking office in 2002, Erdogan’s administration has implemented reforms to enhance the rights of religious minorities in Turkey. While these efforts have resulted in some positive changes, challenges persist for many Christian groups. The U.S. State Department has noted ongoing legal and bureaucratic obstacles faced by Christians attempting to register churches. The Catholic Church, which has approximately 33,000 members in Turkey, lacks formal legal recognition, creating numerous difficulties.

A particularly sensitive moment during Pope Leo’s trip is planned for Sunday when he visits the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul. This location has been a site for papal visits since Paul VI but holds historical weight due to Pope Francis’s controversial remarks regarding the Armenian genocide. Given this backdrop, Pope Leo’s approach is expected to be measured, as he navigates regional sensitivities.

In light of Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural journey, the Vatican aims to promote peace and unity while addressing the complex interplay of politics and religion in Turkey. As the Pope engages with various communities, the visit underscores the delicate balance of fostering dialogue and understanding in an increasingly divided world.