A New Pope's Journey to Turkey: Bridging Faiths and Cultures

Pope Leo XIV started his first international trip as pope in Turkey, a country where most people are Muslim. This visit is important because it shows that Leo wants to connect with people of different faiths and work together with other Christian groups. During his four-day stay, he plans to meet with Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and leaders from various Christian communities. Leo's trip includes a visit to the site of the old city of Nicaea, now called Iznik. This place is special because it's where a big Christian meeting happened 1, 700 years ago. The meeting created the Nicene Creed, a document that many Christians still follow today, no matter their differences. This visit is a way for Leo to honor Christian history and send a message of unity. Before becoming pope, Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, had planned to make this trip but couldn't due to illness. Now, Leo is carrying on that plan. For Erdogan, this visit is a big deal because he is the first world leader to host the new pope. In Ankara, Leo was welcomed with a grand ceremony. Soldiers on horses escorted him to the presidential palace, where he walked in with Erdogan. There were guards, cannons, and music playing the Turkish national anthem. Earlier, Leo paid respects at the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Not everyone is a Catholic in Turkey, but many people appreciate Leo's visit. Emre Oktem, a professor in Istanbul, said that as a Muslim, he is happy to see the pope showing interest in cooperation and openness. Leo's trip isn't just about religion. It's also about promoting peace and unity around the world. He believes that people can come together, even if they have different beliefs. His message is clear: peace and unity are important, no matter where you come from or what you believe in.