27.11.2025 16:25
The President of the Vatican City, Pope Leo XIII, who visited Turkey, stated during a joint press conference with President Erdoğan, "This country has inseparable ties to its Christian roots. The natural beauties of your country encourage us to protect what God has created. The Turks have a wonderful history. You value your internal diversity."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a private meeting with Vatican State President Pope Leo XIII. The meeting at the Presidential Complex lasted approximately half an hour. After the discussions, President Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIII addressed the guests in the Cihannüma Hall of the Presidential National Library.
POPE LEO XIII CAME TO THE PODIUM AFTER ERDOĞAN
Expressing his heartfelt belief that the messages to be conveyed from Turkey during the visit, especially those reflected from this hall, would reach the Turkish-Islamic world and all Christian geography, and would further increase hopes for peace in the world, President Erdoğan was followed to the podium by Pope Leo XIII, who made striking statements.
"TURKS HAVE A WONDERFUL PAST"
Starting his speech by saying, "Thank you very much for your warm welcome," Pope Leo XIII stated, "This country has inseparable ties to its Christian roots. The natural beauties of your country encourage us to protect what God has created. Turks have a wonderful past. You value your internal diversity. This bridge connects Turkey to itself," he said.
Highlights from Erdoğan's statements:
"I am very pleased to host Pope Leo XIII and his delegation in our country. Once again, I would like to welcome our esteemed guest and his delegation to our country in your presence. I find it very meaningful that he chose Turkey for his first foreign trip after taking office.
I sincerely hope that this exceptional visit will contribute to strengthening the deep-rooted relations between Turkey and the Vatican based on friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding. I wholeheartedly believe that the messages to be conveyed from Turkey during the visit, especially those reflected from this hall, will reach the Turkish-Islamic world and all Christian geography, and will further increase hopes for peace in the world.
"I HOPE IT WILL BE A BLESSING"
Pope Leo XIII's visit coincides with a time that is extremely critical in the context of regional and global events. I hope and wish that this visit, which takes place during a period when humanity's search for direction is accelerating, global uncertainties are increasing, and tensions are rising from Asia to Africa, Latin America to Eastern Europe, will be a blessing for all humanity.
EMPHASIS ON GLOBAL PEACE AND STABILITY
In our bilateral meeting, we shared our observations and common expectations regarding the establishment of global peace and stability. We addressed current issues that concern the common conscience of humanity, as well as our bilateral relations. We emphasized the importance of not only supporting people forced to migrate but also eliminating the reasons that force people to migrate. I personally felt great happiness in seeing that we gathered around an approach that advocates peace, prioritizes justice, and is based on compassion in the face of global challenges such as conflicts, humanitarian crises, poverty, injustice, and climate change.
"WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE ARE THESE"
We are a country that draws inspiration from the double-headed Seljuk eagle, facing both east and west. Since we took office in 2002, we have completed the restoration of nearly 100 churches and places of worship. We plan to open 5 more works by the end of the year. The visit to Turkey is a meaningful opportunity that highlights our country's special position and our common values. We take responsibility in the face of crises, and we are putting our hands under the stone for peace, justice, and stability. We are one of the countries that provide the most humanitarian aid in the world. We have hosted over 3.6 million Syrian brothers and sisters. Our guest's calls for peace are also extremely valuable. Peace for everyone, tranquility for everyone... What we want to achieve is exactly these.
"ISRAEL IS ATTACKING PLACES OF WORSHIP"
The Israeli government is bombing civilian settlements, including churches and mosques. One of these places of worship was the Holy Family Church in Gaza. I extend my best wishes to them once again. I believe that we will act together against actions that will harm the historical identity of East Jerusalem. Our greatest debt to the Palestinian people as a family of humanity is justice. The way to pay this debt is to realize the vision of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. We attach great importance to the protection of the ancient heritage based on faith. Almighty God created man from one man and one woman. If we cannot protect the family, we cannot protect the individual. Undoubtedly, our commonalities are far beyond oppositions. We are all members of the great human family. I consider this visit a very important step. I thank Pope Leo XIII for his kind visit on behalf of myself and my nation. I once again welcome him and his delegation. I convey my wishes for peace and tranquility to the Catholic world."