Turkey is “a factor of stability and of rapprochement between peoples, at the service of one just and lasting peace“. Pope Leo XIV, in his first apostolic journey look precisely at this Nation, a land “inextricably linked to origins of Christianity” to promote a meeting culture because “today more than ever there is a need for personalities who favor the dialogue and practice it with firm will and patient tenacity”. It is the image of the bridge over the Dardanelles Strait chosen as the emblem of the journey, which for Leone “effectively expresses the special role of Türkiye“. “You have an important place in the present and future of Mediterranean and of the entire world, first of all by enhancing your internal ones diversity“, states the Pontiff before the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps.
Before his first public speech, the expected face to face with the president Recep Tayyip Erdogan: 20 minutes of private conversation, preceded by another twenty minutes of discussion between the delegations, Holy See and Türkiye. “Positive and constructive”, Erdogan defined the meeting with Leone, in which the issues of the Middle Eastfrom the Palestine (Erdogan reiterated that the only way is two-state solution). But also focus on conflict in Ukrainei migrants hey climate changes. With the Holy See “we are ready to act for peace, justice and stability”, commented Erdogan. And Leone, in his speech in English, underlined that the Holy See “desires to cooperate in building a better world with the contribution” of Türkiye “which constitutes a bridge between East and Westbetween Asia and Europe, and a crossroads of cultures and religions“.
The Third World War in pieces and global challenges
After the season of construction of large international organizations, following the tragedies of the two world wars, “we are going through a highly conflictual phase on a global level, in which strategies of economic and military powerfueling what Pope Francis called ‘Third World War in pieces‘”, added Leone. He warned: “We must not give in to this drift in any way! It’s about future of humanity‘”. The energies and resources absorbed “by this destructive dynamic are taken away from the real challenges that the human family today should instead face together, that is, the pacethe fight against hunger and povertyfor the health and education and for the safeguarding creation“.
The message of peace and homage to Ataturk
As soon as he landed in Ankara, the Pope visited the Ataturk mausoleumwhich contains the remains of Mustafa Kemal “Ataturk” (Father of the Turks), founder and first president of the Republic (1923-38), to leave a wreath and a well-wishing message of peace for all the Turkish people. It’s really carrying a message of “peace, unity and harmony” to the world the goal of Leo’s apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanonas he himself said to the over 80 journalists, cameramen, photographers and producers following him.
Thanksgiving and ecumenical events in Istanbul
Saying goodbye on the plane, immediately after take-off from Rome, (Prevost) wished the Americans present a good Thanksgiving holiday (Thanksgiving)noting that it’s “a wonderful day to celebrate.” Among the other gifts received, there were also two cakes to celebrate Thanksgiving and a pair of slippers and socks with the Chicago White Sox logo. Tomorrow at Istanbul the event is scheduled to Iznikformerly Nicaea, for theecumenical prayer meeting near the archaeological excavations of ancient times Basilica of San Neofitoon the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of at the first council. In the morning, however, Leone will meet i bishops and priests together with the deacons and consecrated people at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and then he will visit the home for the elderly of the Little Sisters of the Poor.