28.11.2025 11:06
Pope Leo XIII, who made his first official visit to Turkey, arrived in Istanbul after his meetings in Ankara. The Pope's first stop in Istanbul was the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Şişli Harbiye, where he met with clergy and delivered a speech.
Pope Leo XIII, who made his first official visit to Turkey, arrived at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Şişli Harbiye to meet with clergymen as part of his Istanbul agenda.
Pope Leo XIII arrived in Istanbul last night after his meetings in Ankara, upon the official invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. His first stop in Istanbul was the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Şişli, where he spent the night at the Saint Esprit Cathedral.
POPE WELCOMED WITH FLOWERS
Intense security measures were taken in the area before the Pope's arrival. Citizens who wanted to see Pope Leo XIII began to wait in front of the cathedral from the morning hours. The Pope arrived at the cathedral to meet with clergymen. Welcomed with flowers, the Pope waved to those following him as he entered.
"MANY CHRISTIANS FROM DIFFERENT BRANCHES LIVE IN TURKEY"
During his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIII visited the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and gave a speech after the mass he held with bishops, priests, deacons, and spiritual officials.
Pope Leo XIII pointed out that the apostles of Jesus also migrated to Anatolia, and that places like Antioch and the ancient city of Ephesus, located within the borders of present-day Izmir, hosted important figures from the Christian world in the past, stating that many Christian communities from different branches currently live in Turkey.
The Pope offered advice to Christian clergymen and community members.
HIS NEXT STOP WILL BE THE FRENCH CHARITY
Recalling the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, centered in Kahramanmaraş, Pope Leo XIII also expressed his gratitude to international organizations that supported the church's post-earthquake relief efforts.
Pope Leo XIII will visit the French Charity as part of his program.
```html
```