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Pope Leo XIV met with bishops, priests, deacons and other religious officials at the Saint Esprit Cathedral in Istanbul’s Harbiye district on Thursday, delivering a detailed address as part of his ongoing visit to Türkiye.
The pope visited the cathedral as part of his Türkiye program, where he participated in a service attended by members of the clergy and various Christian communities.
Following the liturgy, he delivered remarks directed at both religious leaders and community members.
Pope Leo XIV underscored the deep historical significance of Anatolia for Christianity, noting that several apostles of Jesus migrated to the region.
He pointed to historic centers such as Antioch and the ancient city of Ephesus, now within the borders of modern-day İzmir, as places that once hosted key figures of the Christian world.
He emphasized that today, Türkiye remains home to multiple Christian communities from diverse traditions.
In his address, the pope offered spiritual recommendations to clergy and congregants, urging dedication, unity and a continued commitment to faith-based service.
Pope Leo XIV also recalled the devastating Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras.
He expressed gratitude to the international organizations that supported the church’s aid activities following the disaster.
As part of his schedule in Istanbul, the pope is expected to continue his program with a visit to the French Hospice later in the day.
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