Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Turkey, commencing his visit in Ankara. The pontiff met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as reported by TRT Haber.
“Pope Leo XIV, head of the Vatican state, landed in Ankara. The aircraft carrying him arrived at Esenboğa Airport,” the channel states.
The first stop for Pope Leo XIV was Anıtkabir, where he laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, honoring his memory with a moment of silence.
“I thank God for the opportunity to visit Turkey and wish peace and prosperity to its people,” the Pope wrote in the visitor's book.
According to the schedule, the official meeting ceremony between the Pope and the president began at 14:10 local time in the presidential complex in Ankara. Following this, a bilateral meeting took place, followed by an expanded conversation. At 15:45, speeches by President Erdoğan and Pope Leo XIV are planned at the National Library of Turkey.
This visit is the first foreign trip for Pope Leo XIV since his election in May.
As reported by TRT Haber, after the meeting, the Pope will visit the Presidency of Religious Affairs and then head to Istanbul, where further events are scheduled.