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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election and voiced hope for renewed cooperation to end global humanitarian crises, especially the conflict in Gaza.
In a message posted on the Turkish Presidency’s official X account, Erdogan said: “On the occasion of your election to the Papacy, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on behalf of my nation and myself.”
Erdogan praised the late Pope Francis as a “distinguished statesman” who earned global admiration for his efforts to foster peace and tolerance during a period of heightened regional and international tensions.
“I am fully confident that we will continue the sincere and constructive dialogue we established with Pope Francis with you as well,” Erdogan said. “It is my sincere belief that further advancing the relations between Türkiye and the Vatican will make a significant contribution to strengthening tolerance on the international arena and to ending humanitarian tragedies, especially in Gaza.”
The College of Cardinals on Thursday elected American-born Robert Francis Prevost as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Leo XIV, he becomes the first pope from the United States, succeeding Pope Francis, who died earlier this month.
The election marks a historic milestone for the Church’s 1.4 billion followers, ushering in a new era under a pontiff whose roots lie in Chicago, Illinois.
According to Massimiliano Palinuro, Episcopal Vicar of the Latin Catholic Community in Istanbul, Pope Leo XIV may choose Türkiye as his first international destination — if Ankara extends an official invitation.
Türkiye Today had reached out to the Holy See Press Office shortly before Pope Francis’ death to inquire about the status of the planned visit amid concerns over his health. Responding to a question by Türkiye Today editor Koray Erdogan, the press office said, “The Pope has expressed his intention to go, but there has been no official announcement, so at present we have no considerations to share.”
In his first interview following Pope Francis’ death, Palinuro told CNN Turk that the late pontiff had intended to visit Türkiye on May 24, 2025, to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea — a landmark event in Christian history held in 325 A.D. in what is now the town of Iznik in northwestern Türkiye.
“Pope Francis wanted this visit until the last minute,” Palinuro said, adding that a Vatican delegation, including a cardinal and 14 assistants, had been expected to coordinate preparations for the visit with Turkish authorities.
The late pope had planned to attend commemorations in Iznik on May 21, where the council that helped define the core tenets of Christian doctrine was convened.
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