Pope Leo XIV has officially commenced his visit to Turkey, beginning in Ankara where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The pontiff's plane landed at Esenboğa Airport in Ankara.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV paid his respects at Anıtkabir, laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence in honor of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
"I thank God for the opportunity to visit Turkey and wish this nation peace and prosperity," the Pope wrote in the visitor's book.
The official meeting with the president started at 2:10 PM local time, followed by a bilateral discussion that continued in an expanded format. At 3:45 PM, speeches from President Erdogan and Pope Leo XIV are scheduled at the National Library of Turkey.
This visit marks Pope Leo XIV's first overseas trip since his election in May. Following the program in Ankara, he will visit the Presidency of Religious Affairs and then travel to Istanbul, where a series of meetings are planned.