Pope Leo XIV warned of conflict on the global level in an impassioned address to civic leaders and lawmakers in Turkey, delivering his message against the backdrop of several wars currently raging in the region. The Pope arrived in Ankara, where he was greeted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoganfor a six-day trip which also includes Lebanon. He is expected to emphasize the key themes of his fledgling pontificate, following the example of his predecessor, Francis, by using his platform to draw attention to conflicts around the world. Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Leo told the assembly, We are now experiencing a phase marked by heightened level of conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and military power. This is enabling what Pope Francis called a Third World War fought piecemeal. Leo issued a stark assessment of the world order being destabilized by ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace on his first diplomatic tour abroad since becoming the leader of the Catholic world in May. We must in no way give in to this, the first American pope said. The future of humanity is at stake. President Erdogan echoed that Leos visit to Ankara came at a highly critical time amid regional wars, referencing ongoing attacks in Gaza and a deadly strike on the only Catholic church in the Palestinian enclave in July. Erdogan praised the Popes strong stance on advocating for Palestinian dignity and human rights.
The ceasefire reached in Gaza must be reinforced, the safety of civilians must be guaranteed, and humanitarian aid much reach Gaza without any interruptions, Erdogan told diplomatic leaders. Earlier in the day, Leo wished Americans a happy Thanksgiving on board his papal plane and thanked journalists for their service, stating that it is so important today that the message be transmitted in a way that really reveals the truth and harmony that the world needs. The Pope said his visit to Turkey and Lebanon is focused on unity and peace, and to look for the ways all men and women can surely be brothers and sisters in spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs. Leo is visiting two countries with a majority Muslim population but that are home to ancient Christian communities. His visit to Beirut comes several days after a bombing by Israels military on the Lebanese capital. The first day of Leos trip also saw him lay a wreath at Ataturks mausoleum, the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Turkey. He departed Ankara for Istanbul later Thursday, after visiting the Diyanet, the Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey, and meeting the countrys chief rabbi. In Istanbul, Leo is due to meet with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is considered the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Their meeting will take place as part of celebrations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which formulated core Christian beliefs. The celebrations are taking place in modern-day Iznik, northwestern Turkey, where the council was held in 325 AD.
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