The first words spoken by the Pope in Turkey were to denounce that “the future of humanity is at stake” because “in the current phase of powerful conflicts at the global level, strategies of economic and military power dominate,” and he referred to the “call.” … Türkiye as an intermediary bridge between opposing forces. Rajab Tayyab listens in the front row ErdoganA reception was dedicated to him with all the official honors of the state at his residence, with cannon salutes, the national anthem, and military honors. “Today more than ever There is a need for people who prefer dialogue and practice it with a firm will The Pope told him: “And patient perseverance.”
Using diplomatic language and gentle words, the Pope suggested to the Turkish president that he respect internal opposition, favor the presence of women in social life, and not consider Christian Turks as foreign citizens.
Erdogan avoided talking about Ukraine, but condemned “the massacre that the people of Gaza have been suffering for two years, which continues to suffer from bombing” and demonstrated his humanitarian work “by opening doors to Syrians and Afghans and distributing wheat wherever necessary.”
“Türkiye has a strategic location, We are a bridge between two continents. He added: “We are a country with a position in the East and West, and our position is unique in the world.” The Pope stressed that “all the messages he will leave for us will increase hope for every Turkish citizen.”
After a closed meeting, the details of which were not revealed, the Pope delivered the first major speech during the trip at the Turkish National Library, in the presidential palace complex in Ankara. Surrounded by all the volumes published in Turkish throughout history, Leo XIV emphasized the potential of this country to be “a factor of stability and Closeness between peopleIn the service of just and lasting peace.
In the Pope’s words there was an explicit recognition of the decisive role that Türkiye plays in the current geopolitics. Erdogan does not stand idly by, observing current conflicts and working to influence them. He has been very active in the defense of Gaza, and despite being the head of a NATO member state, he maintains a special relationship with Vladimir Putin after the invasion of Ukraine. That’s why Leon reminded him, “Today more than ever People are needed to promote dialogue And practice it with firm will and patient perseverance.
The Pope denounced, saying: “We are going through a period of strong conflicts at the global level, in which economic and military power strategies prevail.” «We must not succumb in any way to this drift! The future of humanity is at stake. The energies and resources consumed by this destructive dynamic are far removed from the real challenges that the human family must face together, namely peace, the fight against hunger and misery, health, education and the preservation of creation.”
Defending Turkish Christians
The letter contained an indirect request for respect for the opposition in the country, with a call to “The value of internal diversity». “You occupy an important place in the present and future of the Mediterranean and the entire world, especially if you value your internal diversities, because a society is alive if it is diverse, and the bridges between its different souls are what make it a civil society. Today, human societies are increasingly polarized and torn apart by extreme positions that are fragmenting them. “In a society like Türkiye, where religion has a clear role, it is necessary to respect dignity and honor Freedom for all of God’s children: Men and women, citizens and foreigners, poor and rich. We are all children of God, and this has personal, social and political consequences. “He who has a heart obedient to God’s will will always promote the common good and respect everyone.”
You also mentioned it elegantly The sensitive situation of Christians in this countryWhich rose from 35% in 1915 to 0.6% today. “I want to assure you that Christians too are part of Turkish identity and feel it,” he said.
As the female attendees claimed, “To the full flourishing of social life“, because “women in particular, through study and active participation in professional, cultural and political life, are increasingly placing themselves at the service of the country and its positive influence on the international arena.”