Overview
- In Ankara, the pope urged Turkey to foster stability and dialogue, warning that escalating conflicts put humanity’s future at risk and criticizing resources diverted to armaments over fighting hunger and poverty.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the pontiff and called the Palestinian question central to regional peace, pressing for steps to reinforce the Gaza cease-fire, protect civilians, and keep aid flowing.
- Reporting highlights Ankara’s intermediary role, noting past Russia–Ukraine talks hosted in Turkey and its offer to join a Gaza stabilization force, which Israel has rejected for Turkish troops.
- Addressing social issues, the pope praised women’s growing public participation, as activists decried Turkey’s exit from the Istanbul Convention and high femicide figures, and Erdogan announced a new five-point plan to combat violence against women.
- On the second day, the pope joined prayers in Istanbul with Orthodox leaders and met the small Catholic community as part of events marking Nicaea’s anniversary, with a visit to Lebanon scheduled next.