In Ankara, on his first apostolic journey, Leo XIV and Erdogan launch a message of dialogue and coexistence to the world in crisis
There National Library of Ankara it is magnificent in its solemnity. The spotlights illuminate the faces of those who, in that moment, write a page of history (and we hope that the page that comes will be more beautiful than the one just written). Leo XIV, having just landed from Rome, crosses the threshold of the building welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife. Around them, a large representation of the government, civil society and the diplomatic corps. It is the first apostolic journey of the new Pontiff, and the choice is not random: Turkey, a border land between East and West, is transformed into the stage of a message of peace intended for the whole world.
Before the official hugs, there was a symbolic gesture. The Pope paid homage to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturkthe father of modern Türkiye, the one who transformed the country into a secular republic. A wreath placed with respect, a bow to history. An act that takes on particular relevance considering how much Ataturk’s policies differ from the current Turkish political course. Yet, precisely in that gesture we can read it desire to build bridges, not walls.
Erdogan’s speech
Erdogan knows how to use words, this must be acknowledged. And on this occasion he shows off all his oratory skills in front of an audience that goes well beyond Turkish borders. His speech draws theimage of a Türkiye guardian of an ancient tradition of coexistence between different communities, religions and cultures. “The many places of worship testify to our coexistence. Anyone who lives in this country is a citizen without discrimination. All peoples must be treated equally. Turkey is one of the countries that has given humanitarian aid almost more than all countries, opening its doors to all refugees fleeing from war. The Pope’s appeals for peace are well received by us. Peace and justice for all.”
Of course, some might object that the Turkish social reality presents more shadows than these bright tones suggest. But in this moment, those words they are declarations of intent that the world wants listen, believe, hope they become reality.
When Leo XIV’s turn comes, the Pontiff chooses aimage powerful for its message: the bridge over the Dardanelles Straitsymbol of travel. “You have an important place in the present and future of the Mediterranean and the entire world,” he says, addressing those present. But that bridge, he explains, even before connecting continents, “ties Turkey to itself”, uniting its internal diversities.
The Pope does not mince words when talks about the global conflict drift. After the construction of the large international organizations born from the ashes of the world wars, today “strategies of economic and military power prevail”. AND the third world war in pieces that Francesco spoke about. But Leo XIV did not give up: “We must not give in to this drift in any way! The future of humanity is at stake.”
The real challenges, the Pontiff insists, are others: peace, the fight against hunger and poverty, health, education, the protection of creation. And to face them dialogue is needed“personalities who favor it and practice it with firm will and patient tenacity”.
Women, Turin and the continuation of the journey
In his speech, Leo XIV also found a way to insert a polite but explicit note: theinvitation to enhance the role of women in Turkish society“through study and active participation in professional, cultural and political life”. Words that weigh heavily in a context where women’s rights are often at the center of public debate.
Surprisingly, during the flight from Rome, the Pope also revealed a personal wish: visit Turin soon to pay homage to the Shroud. A detail that shows the most intimate spiritual dimension of the Pontiff, alongside the diplomatic one. In the late afternoon, after a meeting with the Presidency for Religious Affairs, Leo XIV leaves Ankara for Istanbulwhere it will remain until Sunday. Then it will be Lebanon’s turnanother crucial crossroads for dialogue between different worlds and faiths.
