Turkey visit
Pope Leo Advocates Palestinian State as "Only Solution" to Israel-Palestinian Conflict During First International Visit
Dec 01, 2025 11:40 am CST
During his first overseas trip as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Vatican's position that a Palestinian state is the only viable solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict. Speaking during an in-flight press conference from Turkey to Lebanon, the first American pope emphasized the need for justice while acknowledging Israel's current opposition to this approach. Pope Leo also praised Turkey as a model for religious coexistence during his diplomatic mission addressing multiple global conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV Makes Historic First Foreign Visit to Turkey: Bridging Religious Divides and Promoting Peace
Nov 27, 2025 07:43 pm CST
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Turkey on his inaugural foreign trip, focusing on commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea while promoting interfaith dialogue and peace initiatives. His visit includes meetings with President Erdogan, prayers with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew, and interfaith engagements aimed at strengthening Christian unity and Muslim-Christian relations during a critical time for global conflicts.