• Pope Leo XIV emphasizes peace during his first trip to Türkiye.
• President Erdogan highlights the significance of the pope's messages for regional stability.
• Leo calls for a focus on women's rights amid ongoing violence in Turkey.
• The visit marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
• Interfaith dialogue is a key theme of the pope's engagements in Türkiye.

On his inaugural foreign trip, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Türkiye, where he underscored the importance of peace and dialogue in a world rife with conflict. Welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the pope called on Türkiye to act as a "source of stability and rapprochement" between peoples. He highlighted the nation's pivotal historical role as a bridge between East and West, stating, "Today, more than ever, we need people who will promote dialogue...," according to latimes and NPR.

In his address in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the significance of the pope’s visit during a critical juncture marked by international tensions. He stated that “intolerance feeds conflict,” and highlighted the need for *“immediate steps”* to protect civilians and strengthen ceasefires in conflicted areas like Gaza, where the Israeli military's actions against various groups have raised humanitarian concerns. Erdogan praised the Vatican's alignment with Turkey's views on the Palestinian issue, adding that it is central to achieving regional peace, according to aa and latimes.

Pope Leo XIV's visit is significant not only for its diplomatic overtones but also for its focus on social issues, particularly women's rights. Noticing their increasing involvement in professional and cultural spheres, Leo stressed the need to *“greatly value”* initiatives that support women, echoing local activists' concerns over the Turkish government's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention—an agreement aimed at protecting women from violence. The rise in femicide rates has alarmed many, prompting Erdogan to announce a new five-point plan to combat such violence, according to latimes and NPR.

The visit also commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the historic Council of Nicaea, which played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine. Pope Leo is set to enhance interfaith dialogue during his stay, meeting with both Christian and Muslim leaders in Türkiye, including a visit to the Blue Mosque as a gesture of goodwill toward Muslim communities. Imam Asgın Tunca foresees that this engagement can help dispel misconceptions about Islam, indicating a positive direction for future Christian-Muslim relations, according to latimes and NPR.

Throughout his time in Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV aims to foster unity and collaboration between different faiths amidst escalating global tensions. His remarks on the plight of women—and the need for dignity and protection—coupled with his broader messages about peace are set to shape his papacy and influence ongoing discussions about Turkey's role in international diplomacy. Fatma Cicek Geyik, an artist, remarked that while the visit brings joy, it should not be overly sensationalized, reflecting the complex interplay of local and international issues in contemporary Türkiye, according to latimes and NPR.