ANKARA (RNS) – Pope Leo XIV landed in the capital of Turkey, and on Thursday (Nov. 27) met with state representatives of the Sunni Muslim majority country, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which he made a plea for peace amid growing tensions and conflict.
After a stop at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, the pope entered the presidential palace alongside Erdogan to the sound of ceremonial cannons and the Turkish national anthem.
“Today, more than ever, we need people who will promote dialogue and practice it with firm will and patient resolve,” Leo said in a speech to diplomatic and civil authorities in the country, warning that the world is “marked by a heightened level of conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and military power.”
Referring to his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo said such issues are enabling a “third world war fought piecemeal” and urged Turkish leaders to continue efforts toward peace. “We must in no way give in to this. The future of humanity is at stake,” he said.
Instead, he said, world leaders should focus resources on the “real challenges” facing humanity today, including poverty, lack of health and education, and the care for …