During his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
This was reported by Ukrinform, referencing Milliyet and other Turkish media outlets.
Pope Leo XIV will visit Turkey from November 27 to 30. The visit will include a pilgrimage to Nicaea, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.
During his time in Turkey, Pope Leo will meet with President Erdogan, visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and engage in discussions with Patriarch Bartholomew. Ankara is hopeful that this visit will signify a new phase in the relationship between Turkey and the Vatican.
Turkish media highlight the symbolic importance of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Iznik (the historical Nicaea) in the Christian world. The First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, played a crucial role in achieving unity among Christians. The Pope's return to these lands after 1,700 years is regarded as a significant step for interfaith dialogue and Turkey's regional role.
This upcoming trip marks Pope Leo XIV's first foreign visit, which will also include a visit to Lebanon. He will be the fifth Catholic leader to visit Turkey, following Pope Francis in 2014, Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.