In his inaugural voyage beyond Vatican borders, Pope Leo XIV concluded a significant three-day visit to Turkey on Sunday before departing for Lebanon. The carefully orchestrated journey, set against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts, saw the pontiff deliver pointed calls for regional stability, reiterate the Holy See’s firm backing for a Palestinian state, and engage with sensitive domestic issues within Turkey itself.
The pilgrimage’s destinations were selected for their profound symbolic weight in contemporary geopolitical strife. Turkey, which has sought to position itself as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine and previously proposed participating in a Gaza stabilization force, provided a platform for the Pope’s message of dialogue. In Lebanon, a nation perennially on the brink and recently subjected to Israeli airstrikes, the Pope’s presence alone underscored the Vatican’s focus on the suffering of the Middle East.
Upon his arrival in Ankara, Pope Leo was received by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace. In his public remarks, the pontiff issued a clear exhortation for the nation’s role on the world stage. "May Turkey be a source of stability," he stated, adding, "Today, more than ever, we need people who promote dialogue patiently, consistently, and with real conviction." The two leaders subsequently held private discussions, the contents of which were not disclosed.
The Pope’s diplomatic agenda extended beyond broad appeals for peace. While en route to Beirut, he addressed reporters aboard his aircraft, explicitly reaffirming the Vatican’s longstanding diplomatic position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When questioned about the two-state solution, he affirmed, "We see it as the only one that can offer a solution to the conflict that they are living in." This declaration constitutes a direct diplomatic challenge to the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which rejects the framework.
Concurrently, Pope Leo did not shy away from internal Turkish matters. During his stay, which included a visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, he emphasized the critical role of women in society and the importance of supporting families. This commentary intersects with a fraught national debate, coming after Turkey’s controversial withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a landmark European treaty combating violence against women. Local activists report that 237 women have been killed in the country so far this year, predominantly by partners or relatives—a crisis that prompted President Erdogan to announce a new five-point plan to address the issue.
The impact of this inaugural papal trip is multifaceted. By placing the moral authority of his office in close proximity to active conflict zones, Pope Leo XIV has visibly committed the Vatican to frontline diplomacy. His unambiguous endorsement of a two-state solution reinforces a key pillar of the Holy See’s foreign policy, potentially galvanizing international discourse. Furthermore, his nuanced engagement in Turkey—both encouraging its mediating aspirations and highlighting its social challenges—demonstrates a papacy willing to navigate complex political landscapes, seeking to foster dialogue while offering pointed commentary on human dignity.