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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye (2025) is an official visit taking place between 27 and 30 November 2025 to Ankara, Istanbul and İznik, as part of his first foreign trip since assuming office. The head of state of the Vatican and spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIV, will undertake this visit to coincide with the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.
President Erdoğan welcomes Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV at an official ceremony, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Pope Leo XIV will complete the Türkiye and Lebanon visit postponed by his predecessor Pope Francis due to health concerns. Vatican statements indicate that the purpose of the visit is to emphasize the themes of “peace, dialogue and Christian unity.” The Pope’s itinerary will begin in Ankara on 27 November, conclude in Lebanon on 30 November after engagements in Istanbul and İznik.
According to Vatican sources, this first foreign trip of Pope Leo XIV, taking place in his sixth month in office, addresses topics including regional peace, the conflict in Palestine, unity among Christian denominations and humanitarian crises in the Middle East.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Türkiye on Thursday, 27 November 2025. The aircraft carrying the Pope landed at Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 12:23, where he was greeted by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and other officials.
During the first stop of his Ankara program, the Pope visited Anıtkabir. Accompanied by the Vatican delegation, he laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and observed a moment of silence. The Pope also signed the Anıtkabir Special Register at the Misak-ı Milli Tower.
Pope Leo XIV visits Anıtkabir in Ankara, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Following his visit to Anıtkabir, Pope Leo XIV was received at the Presidential Complex in an official ceremony by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Pope’s vehicle was met by mounted cavalry along the avenue leading to the complex and escorted to the protocol entrance. The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries accompanied by a 21-gun salute. Pope Leo XIV greeted the ceremonial guard with the words “Hello soldier.”
President Erdoğan welcomes Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV at an official ceremony, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
The ceremony grounds featured flags and military personnel representing the 16 Turkish states established throughout history. Following the welcome, President Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV exchanged introductions of their respective delegations and posed for the press in front of the flags of Türkiye and the Vatican. The two leaders then held bilateral talks followed by delegation-level discussions. Afterward, preparations were made for an address to guests in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidential National Library.
Following his visit to Anıtkabir, Pope Leo XIV proceeded to the Presidential Complex where he held a bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to Presidential sources, the meeting lasted approximately half an hour. Discussions covered Türkiye-Vatican relations, the humanitarian situation in Palestine and peace efforts in the Middle East.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Following the bilateral meeting, President Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV presided over the delegation-level talks. The meeting at the Presidential Complex was attended by Türkiye’s delegation comprising Presidential Advisor Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Chief of Staff Hasan Doğan and Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç.
On 27 November 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV delivered addresses to guests in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidential National Library following the delegation-level talks.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses guests alongside Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidential National Library, following bilateral and delegation-level meetings, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
President Erdoğan, in his speech, made assessments on regional crises, the humanitarian situation in Palestine, interfaith dialogue, and global peace. Erdoğan made the following statements regarding Türkiye’s diplomatic responsibility and vision of justice: “In the face of conflict, crisis, and injustices around us, we take responsibility by choosing the difficult path over the easy one, placing our hands beneath the stone for peace and justice.”
Erdoğan highlighted the importance of Türkiye-Vatican cooperation and the international impact of their shared messages: “I believe that the messages coming from Türkiye to Pope Leo XIV will reach the Turkish-Islamic world and the Christian world, and will increase hopes for peace around the globe.”
Speaking about the timing of the visit, President Erdoğan noted that the Pope’s visit to Türkiye coincides with a critical moment on the global stage: “(Pope Leo XIV’s visit) corresponds to an extremely critical moment within the context of regional and global events.”
Regarding developments in the Russia-Ukraine War and the Vatican’s calls for peace, he stated: “We are closely monitoring recent efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine War and are striving to provide the necessary support and contribution. The esteemed guest’s appeals for peace and dialogue are of immense value for the success of the diplomatic process.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses guests in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidency National Library in Ankara, following bilateral and delegation-level meetings with Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
President Erdoğan also addressed the civilian casualties in Gaza and attacks on holy sites: “The Israeli government is bombing civilian areas including churches and mosques. One of these places of worship was the Holy Family Church in Gaza.” He reiterated his call for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue: “As a human family, our greatest duty to the Palestinian people is justice. The path to fulfilling this duty is implementing the vision of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.”
In his remarks on preserving the historical status and identity of Jerusalem, he stated: “It is vital to preserve the historical status quo in Al-Quds al-Sharif.” “We believe we must continue to act together against any aggressive action that threatens the historical identity of East Jerusalem.”
President Erdoğan also drew attention to rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West, characterizing this trend as a threat to social peace: “Intolerance fuels conflict, and conflict nurtures hatred. The increasing Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West are manifestations of this vicious cycle.” Erdoğan concluded his speech with the following statement regarding Pope Leo XIV’s visit: “I regard this visit as a very important step that strengthens our common ground.”
Addressing guests in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidency National Library with Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Vatican State, emphasized Türkiye’s strategic importance in Mediterranean and global peace processes: “You hold a vital place in both the present and the future of the Mediterranean and the entire world.” In his assessment of rising global conflicts and the atmosphere of war, he stated: “These global conflicts are laying the groundwork for a third world war waged incrementally. We must never yield to this. The future of humanity is at risk.”
The Head of State of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, addresses guests in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidency National Library, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
In the continuation of his speech, he drew attention to historical parallels in global political tensions and emphasized that global power politics threaten peace: “Following the two world wars, we are witnessing a period of high tension at the global level dominated by economic and military power strategies.”
The second day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye began with a morning program in Istanbul and continued with a ceremony commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in Nicaea. Throughout the day, meetings were held with spiritual representatives from various denominations, participation was ensured in ceremonial events held at archaeological and religious sites, and extensive security measures were implemented. The day’s schedule was structured around contacts with Catholic institutions in Istanbul and preparations for the joint liturgy on the shores of Lake Nicaea.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Nicaea (AA)
In the morning hours, Pope Leo XIV met with bishops, priests, deacons, and other spiritual representatives at Saint Esprit Catholic Church in Istanbul’s Harbiye district. This gathering marked the first official contact of the visit with the Catholic community in Türkiye. As one of the key centers of the Catholic congregation in Istanbul, the church served as the starting point of the morning program.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Saint Esprit Catholic Church (AA)
Following the meeting at Saint Esprit Church, the Pope traveled to the French Poorhouse in Bomonti. The visit centered on discussions with elderly religious personnel residing there. The institution has long operated as a social service structure affiliated with Catholic clergy. During the visit, direct contact was established with the residents, shaping the social dimension of the trip. The Poorhouse occupies a distinct place in the Pope’s schedule due to its embodiment of daily life practices within Catholic institutions in Istanbul.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the French Poorhouse in Bomonti (AA)
After completing the Istanbul program, Pope Leo XIV traveled by helicopter to the district of Nicaea in Bursa. Prior to landing, the helicopter made three passes over the area containing the submerged basilica dedicated to Saint Neophytos. This flight enabled an aerial assessment of the general layout of the site and the area prepared for the ceremony. The location of the submerged basilica has drawn attention since it emerged in 2014 following the lowering of the lake’s water level, thereby highlighting the historical and archaeological significance of the site where the ceremony was held.
Pope Leo XIV’s arrival in Nicaea (AA)
High-level security measures were implemented in Nicaea prior to the start of the visit. Identity checks were conducted at all entry points, police patrols were increased, and fire and medical teams were stationed around the ceremony area. Security precautions around Lake Nicaea were intensified due to the location of the ceremony on the lake’s shore. Units under the Coast Guard Command intensified their patrol activities, while divers conducted search and surveillance operations to evaluate potential underwater risks.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Nicaea (AA)
While ceremony preparations were ongoing, security forces intervened after a civilian entered Lake Nicaea to swim. Coast Guard units tracked the individual’s movements in the water and ensured his return to shore, eliminating any potential threat to the ceremony’s security. The incident occurred shortly before the Pope’s arrival at the site, demonstrating the uninterrupted continuity of on-site security measures.
According to an announcement by the Mayor of Nicaea, the basilica area had been restored prior to the visit. Due to increased interest in the ceremony, hotels in the district reached 100% occupancy, and local merchants and ceramic artisans prepared various gifts for the Pope. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors were expected in the district. This preparatory phase established a clear framework for managing the high volume of attendees on the day of the ceremony and for assessing the organizational impact of the visit on the district.
Geographically distinctive products from Bursa were presented to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV by the Vatican State (AA)
Pope Leo XIV participated in the commemorative ceremony held on the shore of Lake Nicaea, near the ruins of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos. The ceremony was conducted jointly with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and various spiritual representatives from the Orthodox world were present. Participants walked before icons, lit candles, and performed shared religious rituals. The ceremony was conducted within a multi-denominational framework, reflecting both the archaeological character of the site and the historical context of the council.
Visitors to the First Council of Nicaea (AA)
In his address at the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the historical significance of the First Council of Nicaea. He emphasized the council’s role in affirming the Nicene Creed, a foundational element of Christian belief, and stated that religion must not be used to justify contemporary conflicts and acts of violence. These remarks followed the symbolic rituals of the ceremony and linked the council’s legacy to its relevance in the present context.
Pope Leo XIV’s addresses at the Council of Nicaea (AA)
After the completion of the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV departed Nicaea for Istanbul. On the third day of the visit, a meeting with the Patriarch of Constantinople and participation in a ceremony marking the anniversary of the founding of the Patriarchate are planned. The second day of the program concluded with the return journey from Nicaea to Istanbul.
Pope Leo XIV’s journey from Nicaea to Istanbul (AA)
The third day of the official visit of Pope Leo XIV, Head of State of the Vatican and spiritual leader of the Catholic world, to Türkiye continues in Istanbul. The program, which began on 27 November with a visit to Anıtkabir in Ankara and official meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and continued on 28 November with ceremonies marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in İznik, has now entered a phase of intensified activities in Istanbul as of 29 November. The Pope arrived in Istanbul late yesterday evening after his engagements in Ankara and İznik, and spent the night at the Saint-Esprit Cathedral in Şişli.
The morning schedule of the third day of the visit began with Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Sultanahmet Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic places of worship. Upon arriving at the mosque in the morning, the Pope was accompanied by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Istanbul Provincial Mufti Emrullah Tuncel, and mosque officials. During the visit, information was shared regarding the historical and architectural significance of Sultanahmet Mosque, which is notable as the first Ottoman mosque to have six minarets. The mosque’s muezzin, Aşgın Musa Tunca, provided Pope Leo XIV with detailed information about the structure and its worship practices.
Pope Leo XIV at Sultanahmet Mosque (Anadolu Ajansı)
Extensive security measures were implemented around Sultanahmet Square and its surroundings during the visit. The Pope’s program inside the mosque was carried out within the established protocol as a brief inspection and informational tour. This segment of the program concluded with Pope Leo XIV’s first official visit to a Muslim place of worship during his Istanbul leg of the Türkiye trip. After leaving Sultanahmet Mosque, the Pope proceeded to his next destination, the Mor Efrem Syriac Ancient Orthodox Church in Yeşilköy, for the remainder of the day’s engagements.
Following the completion of the morning program at Sultanahmet Mosque, Pope Leo XIV continued his engagements in Istanbul at the Mor Efrem Syriac Ancient Orthodox Church in Yeşilköy. This second stop of the day was accompanied by representatives from local churches and various Christian communities who joined the Pope’s delegation.
The Pope with Orthodox Clergy (Anadolu Ajansı)
The meeting at the Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church, one of the first churches built during the Republican era and thus symbolically significant, highlighted solidarity with the Syriac Orthodox community in Türkiye and emphasized relations with Eastern Christian traditions.
Pope’s Visit to Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church (Anadolu Ajansı)
The program was conducted as a closed-door meeting lasting over two hours. The Vatican did not release a detailed public statement regarding the content of the discussions. After concluding his engagements at the Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church, Pope Leo XIV moved on to the next stops of his afternoon program in Istanbul, located along the Fener and Haliç corridors.
Following his engagements at the Mor Efrem Syriac Ancient Orthodox Church, Pope Leo XIV continued the third day of his Istanbul program with a visit to the Phanar Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Balat. Intensive security measures were implemented around the patriarchate prior to the visit, and it was reported that church bells rang as the Pope entered the compound. Upon arrival, Pope Leo XIV was received by Patriarch Bartholomeos of Constantinople, and the two leaders held both private and delegation-level meetings. This approximately one-hour program concluded as one of the central ecumenical moments of the Pope’s visit to Türkiye.
Pope Leo XIV with the Patriarch of Constantinople (Anadolu Ajansı)
The religious dimension of the Phanar program was marked by a “Prayer of Thanksgiving” held at the Church of Saint George within the patriarchate complex. In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the commemorations of the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in İznik had inspired Christians to seek “the restoration of full unity.” He expressed gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomeos and stated that he prayed for the unity of Christians and all humanity. Patriarch Bartholomeos, in turn, expressed his joy that the Pope’s first foreign visit was to Nicaea and Istanbul, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to working together for peace and reconciliation in the world.
Following the “Prayer of Thanksgiving,” Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomeos signed a joint declaration, thereby giving both symbolic and textual expression to a message of unity and dialogue from the Phanar Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. After the conclusion of the program, Pope Leo XIV proceeded to the Volkswagen Arena in Sarıyer to preside over a public liturgical celebration.
The third day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye concluded in the evening with a major liturgy held at the Volkswagen Arena in Sarıyer. Attended by approximately 4,000 people, the liturgy saw the Pope address Catholic communities in Türkiye as well as guests from various Christian communities. He underscored the theme of “unity,” which had emerged throughout the day’s religious engagements, now before a large congregation. In his speech, the Pope referred to the three bridges spanning the Bosporus, noting that they reminded him of the importance of collective efforts to build “bridges of unity” among people and communities. He emphasized that such grounds of unity, like these bridges, require “care, attention, and maintenance” to withstand the wear and tear of time and change.
A Moment from the Pope’s Liturgy at the Volkswagen Arena (Anadolu Ajansı)
At the Volkswagen Arena liturgy, Pope Leo XIV called for strengthening relations among Christian communities and reducing prejudice, highlighting the importance of “appreciating what unites us, dismantling walls of prejudice and mistrust, and promoting mutual knowledge and respect.” He stressed that Christians from different denominations can together convey a powerful message of hope and bear a common witness toward peace and reconciliation. After the liturgy, the Pope is expected to return to the Vatican’s Representation in Istanbul. The following day’s program includes a prayer visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, a divine liturgy at the Church of Saint George, and a joint blessing ceremony involving participation from various Christian denominations. After the completion of the Türkiye leg of the visit, the Pope is scheduled to travel to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye is his first foreign trip since assuming office as Head of State of the Vatican and spiritual leader of the Catholic world and includes visits to Ankara Istanbul and Nicaea from 27 to 30 November 2025. The visit which began in Ankara on 27 November is being held to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. The program includes discussions on Türkiye-Vatican relations the humanitarian situation in Palestine and peace efforts in the Middle East framed around the themes of peace dialogue and Christian unity.
The second day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye began with morning meetings with Catholic institutions in Istanbul and continued with a gathering with clergy at the Church of the Holy Spirit and a visit to the Bomonti French Convent. The Pope then traveled by helicopter to Nicaea where he attended a ceremony commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea near the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos. Prior to the ceremony heightened security measures were implemented throughout the district patrol boats were deployed on the lake and underwater searches were conducted. Representatives of various Christian denominations participated in the ceremony joint religious rituals were performed and the Pope offered reflections on the historical significance of the council. The day concluded with the Pope’s return to Istanbul after the ceremony.
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