The pope has kicked off his six-day trip, which will also include a visit to Lebanon, as part of his first major international pilgrimage as pontiff. During the visit, Pope Leo XIV paid homage at the Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara, Turkey, honoring the country’s founding father.
The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic move, aiming to strengthen ties between the Catholic Church and Turkey, a country with a predominantly Muslim population. The pontiff’s presence at the Ataturk Mausoleum underscores the symbolic importance of the gesture, showing respect for Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage.
During his stay in Ankara, Pope Leo XIV is expected to engage with Turkish officials, discuss religious freedom, and address the challenges faced by the Catholic community in the region. The trip also includes plans to visit Lebanon, where the pope will focus on promoting interfaith dialogue and humanitarian efforts.