Pope Leo XIV Concludes Historic Visit to Türkiye with Meetings on Interfaith Dialogue
A landmark visit to Türkiye by Pope Leo XIV culminated Wednesday with meetings focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue and regional cooperation. The pontiff, on his first apostolic journey outside of Italy since his election, engaged in high-level discussions with both President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the head of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Safi Arpaguş.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit underscores the growing importance of Türkiye as a bridge between cultures and religions. Earlier in the day, the Pope held both a private meeting and a broader delegation-level discussion with President Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. He then addressed invited guests alongside the president in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidential Library.
Focus on Interfaith Understanding
Following the engagements at the Presidential Complex, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Diyanet headquarters for a closed-door meeting with Arpaguş. This meeting, a key component of the visit, signals a commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration between the Catholic Church and Turkish religious authorities.
According to a statement released by Diyanet, the meeting was also attended by prominent religious leaders including High Council of Religious Affairs President Prof. Abdurrahman Haçkalı, and Diyanet Deputy Presidents Prof. Ahmet Ishak Demir, Dr. Hafız Osman Şahin, and Dr. Hüseyin Hazırlar. The presence of these key figures highlights the significance placed on the dialogue.
The Pope’s journey outside Italy so early in his pontificate demonstrates a proactive approach to global engagement and a desire to build relationships with leaders across the religious spectrum. This visit to Türkiye, a nation with a predominantly Muslim population, is particularly noteworthy as a symbol of interfaith respect and cooperation.
[Image of Pope Leo XIV and Safi Arpaguş meeting in Ankara, Nov. 27, 2025. (EPA Photo)]
The meetings in Ankara represent a crucial step in ongoing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding in a world often marked by division. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape future collaborations between the Vatican and Turkish religious institutions, potentially leading to joint initiatives on issues ranging from religious freedom to humanitarian aid.
