Friday, November 28, 2025 - Pope Leo XIV warned of “conflict on the global level” in an impassioned address to civic leaders and lawmakers in Turkey, delivering his message against the backdrop of several wars currently raging in the region.
The Pope arrived in Ankara, where he was greeted by Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—for a six-day trip which also includes Lebanon.
He is expected to emphasize the key themes of his fledgling pontificate,
following the example of his predecessor, Francis, by using his platform to
draw attention to conflicts around the world.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Leo told the
assembly, “We are now experiencing a phase marked by heightened level of
conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and
military power. This is enabling what Pope Francis called a Third World War
fought piecemeal.”
Leo issued a stark assessment of the world order being
destabilized by “ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace” on
his first diplomatic tour abroad since becoming the leader of the Catholic
world in May. “We must in no way give in to this,” the first American pope
said. “The future of humanity is at stake.”
President Erdogan echoed that Leo’s visit to Ankara came at
a “highly critical time” amid regional wars, referencing ongoing attacks in
Gaza and a deadly strike on the only Catholic church in the Palestinian enclave
in July. Erdogan praised the Pope’s “strong stance” on advocating for
Palestinian dignity and human rights.
“The ceasefire
reached in Gaza must be reinforced, the safety of civilians must be guaranteed,
and humanitarian aid much reach Gaza without any interruptions,” Erdogan told
diplomatic leaders.
Earlier in the day, Leo wished Americans a happy
Thanksgiving on board his papal plane and thanked journalists for their
service, stating that it “is so important today that the message be transmitted
in a way that really reveals the truth and harmony that the world needs.”
The Pope said his visit to Turkey and Lebanon is focused on
“unity” and “peace,” and “to look for the ways all men and women can surely be
brothers and sisters in spite of differences, in spite of different religions,
in spite of different beliefs.”
Leo is visiting two countries with a majority Muslim
population but that are home to ancient Christian communities. His visit to
Beirut comes several days after a bombing by Israel’s military on the Lebanese
capital.
The first day of Leo’s trip also saw him lay a wreath at
Ataturk’s mausoleum, the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of
Turkey. He departed Ankara for Istanbul later Thursday, after visiting the
Diyanet, the Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey, and meeting the
country’s chief rabbi.
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