Pope Leo arrives in Turkey on high-stakes first overseas trip

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey on Thursday, marking his first journey outside Italy since becoming leader of the Catholic Church. His three-day visit — packed with ceremonies, speeches, and tours of culturally sensitive sites — is expected to focus heavily on peace in the Middle East and on strengthening ties among the world’s long-divided Christian denominations. Choosing predominantly Muslim Turkey for his first foreign trip carries deep symbolism. The visit coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the historic Council of Nicaea, the gathering that produced the Nicene Creed, a defining text still central to Christian worship worldwide. Leo’s stop in Turkey will be followed by a visit to Lebanon, another country central to Christian–Muslim dialogue and regional stability.

Landing in Ankara with Turkish and Vatican flags fluttering above the plane’s cockpit, Pope Leo was welcomed by a delegation led by Turkey’s culture and tourism minister. His visit comes at a time when Christians make up less than one per cent of Turkey’s population, sharpening the significance of his outreach in a nation historically tied to early Christianity. Analysts say the trip will be closely watched not only because it marks the pope’s first major appearance abroad, but also because it signals his intention to take an active role in global diplomacy and interfaith bridge-building. Pope Francis — who was warmly received during his 2014 visit to Turkey — had hoped to return, but declining health prevented him from travelling. Observers see continuities between Francis and Leo, particularly in their shared emphasis on compassion, humanitarianism, and social justice.

Canan Tercan, a political scientist at Istanbul Aydın University, said Leo’s demonstrated commitment to peace is encouraging and may allow him to influence dialogue in a region fraught with conflict. “The Vatican is not only an institution concerned with individual worship,” she said, “but also a strong organization with a mission for social peace and justice.” With millions watching around the world, Pope Leo’s initial foray into international diplomacy is set to test how he will lead on some of the most complex geopolitical and religious issues of his papacy.