In late November 2025, Pope Leo XIV embarked on a historic Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, highlighting a profound moment of dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims. The visit included Ankara, İznik, and Istanbul, combining political, historical, and spiritual significance. For Christians, İznik — the site of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD — is a pillar of faith and theological unity. For Muslims and Turkish hosts, the visit was an opportunity to exemplify Islam’s eternal values: mercy, respect, compassion, and the noble tradition of welcoming guests.
Throughout the journey, Pope Leo XIV emphasized Christian unity, dialogue among faiths, and peace, while Turkish leaders and citizens demonstrated Islamic ethics of hospitality and respect for other religions, creating an atmosphere of mutual admiration and understanding.
The Apostolic Journey: Key Moments and Messages
Ankara: Official Welcome and Dialogue
The journey began in Ankara, Türkiye’s political and administrative heart. Pope Leo XIV was received by national officials, emphasizing interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. In his speech, he highlighted the need for peaceful coexistence and solidarity across religions.
“Let us walk together as children of God, respecting each other’s beliefs and working toward a shared future of compassion and unity,” he declared during the welcome ceremony.
This statement resonated strongly with the Islamic principle of respect for all peoples, as the Qur’an teaches:
Qur’an Reference:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.”
Surah An-Nisa, Verse 58
Muslims are encouraged to treat every person with fairness, honor, and dignity, principles clearly reflected in Türkiye’s warm reception of the Pope.
İznik: Commemorating the First Council of Nicaea
The central highlight of the visit was İznik, the historic site of the First Council of Nicaea. Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn ecumenical prayer service near the archaeological remains of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos. His message emphasized Christian unity and reconciliation, calling on believers to uphold peace amid global tensions.
“In this sacred place, let us remember the call to unity and extend our hands toward understanding, love, and dialogue,” the Pope said.
At the same time, Turkish hosts showcased Islamic and Turkish values of hospitality, care, and respect for sacred spaces, ensuring the ceremony honored Christian traditions without compromise. This reflects the Qur’anic call to coexistence and justice:
Qur’an Reference:
“And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best…”
Surah Al-Ankabut, Verse 46
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also exemplified this ethos through his actions with Jews, Christians, and people of other faiths, showing mercy, patience, and dignified respect.
Istanbul: Interfaith Engagement and Community Outreach
In Istanbul, Pope Leo XIV visited both Catholic and Armenian churches, met religious leaders, and addressed large congregations. He consistently emphasized peace, mutual respect, and collaborative dialogue.
The Turkish hosts exemplified Islamic values of generosity and ethical conduct, offering not only hospitality but active engagement and protection of religious freedom. This demonstrates the longstanding tradition in Turkish society of safeguarding minorities and respecting all faiths, a legacy of both Ottoman and modern principles.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
This saying mirrors the Turkish approach during the papal visit, combining moral conduct with genuine care for the spiritual and physical needs of guests.
The Broader Significance: Islam and Respect for Other Faiths
The Pope’s visit provided a unique lens to reflect on Islam’s ethical framework regarding interfaith respect. Key principles visible throughout the visit included:
- Mercy (Rahma): Turkish hosts ensured a compassionate and dignified environment for Christian rituals.
- Hospitality (Ikram al-Diyafah): From ceremonial receptions to personal interactions, guests were treated with honor and generosity.
- Respect for Other Religions: The careful preservation of sacred sites and sensitivity toward Christian practices demonstrates Islam’s call for honoring people of all faiths.
These values echo the Qur’an’s timeless guidance:
Qur’an Reference:
“…And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 107
This verse emphasizes that Mercy is central to Islamic ethics, guiding Muslims to engage respectfully and constructively with all communities.
Messages for Christians and Muslims
Pope Leo XIV’s messages throughout the journey repeatedly highlighted:
- Unity and reconciliation among Christians
- Dialogue and understanding across religious lines
- Peaceful coexistence as a practical spiritual goal
For Muslims, these moments reinforced the Qur’anic call to justice, mercy, and protection of minorities. For Christians, Türkiye offered a living example of how Islamic principles can coexist with Christian worship, reflecting shared ethical values.
This mutual respect fosters long-term interfaith relationships and a platform for collaborative action in addressing societal challenges.
Conclusion: Building Bridges of Faith
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye in 2025, particularly the pilgrimage to İznik, represents a historic moment for interfaith engagement. It highlights:
- The significance of Christian heritage sites and the preservation of faith traditions
- Islamic values of mercy, hospitality, and respect for other religions in action
- The Turkish legacy of protecting and honoring religious diversity
- The shared call for peace, unity, and ethical conduct across religious communities
The visit reminds believers of all faiths that true spirituality inspires love, respect, and practical mercy, bridging cultural and religious divides. Through mutual understanding, dialogue, and respect, humanity can witness the beauty of shared ethical and spiritual ideals.
Turkey Departure: Reflections and Farewell Messages
As Pope Leo XIV concluded his historic Apostolic Journey in Türkiye, he expressed deep appreciation for the warmth, hospitality, and spiritual engagement he experienced throughout his visit. Standing at the airport in Istanbul, he addressed Turkish officials, clergy, and the press, conveying sentiments of gratitude and hope:
My heart is full of joy for the generosity and kindness shown by the Turkish people. Türkiye has opened its doors not only to me but to the spirit of dialogue, faith, and fraternity. May this journey inspire peace, understanding, and cooperation among all believers of different faiths.
He also reflected on the significance of İznik:
The sacred site of Nicaea reminds us of the unity that faith can bring. Here, amid centuries of history, we see the possibility of bridging divides and fostering mutual respect.
The Pope emphasized that these experiences were not only about Christian reflection but about witnessing the ethical virtues of Islam in practice. He specifically highlighted:
- Mercy and compassion: Noting the care and attention given to guests throughout the visit
- Respect for religious diversity: Praising Türkiye’s preservation of sacred Christian sites and sensitivity to Christian traditions
- Hospitality and generosity: Recognizing the warmth of Turkish citizens and officials
This farewell reflected the Qur’anic teaching of mutual respect and peace:
Qur’an Reference:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.”
Surah An-Nahl, Verse 125
The Pope’s message made clear that Islamic values of hospitality, mercy, and respect are lived experiences in Türkiye, and that these virtues contribute to interfaith understanding and global peace.
As he departed for his next destination — initially reported as Lebanon — he expressed hope that the bridges built in Türkiye would serve as a model for future dialogue and cooperation between Christians and Muslims worldwide.
Source: Vatican News
❓ FAQs – Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Visit to Turkey & Interfaith Respect
Why was Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey in 2025 historically significant?
It marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in İznik and emphasized interfaith dialogue, Christian unity, and Islamic hospitality and ethical values.
Why was İznik chosen as a central location of the visit?
İznik hosted the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), a key moment in Christian theological history, making it symbolically important for ecumenical and interfaith engagement.
How did Turkish hosts demonstrate Islamic values during the visit?
They exemplified mercy, hospitality, respect for other religions, and ethical conduct, ensuring Christian rituals were honored and guests felt welcomed.
What role did Ankara play in the Pope’s journey?
Ankara was the political and administrative starting point, where official dialogues emphasized peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between religions.
How did Istanbul contribute to interfaith engagement?
Pope Leo XIV visited Catholic and Armenian churches, met religious leaders, and observed Islamic ethical practices of generosity and protection of religious freedom.
How does this visit reflect Islam’s teachings on interfaith relations?
The visit illustrated Qur’anic principles of justice, mercy, and respectful engagement with people of other faiths, showing practical implementation of Islamic ethics.
Did the Pope comment on the significance of İznik?
Yes, he highlighted it as a sacred site promoting unity, dialogue, and mutual respect among believers across faiths.
How can such visits influence Muslim-Christian relations globally?
They foster long-term interfaith relationships, demonstrating that shared ethical values like mercy, respect, and hospitality can bridge religious divides.
How can Muslims view engagement with other faiths without compromising their beliefs?
Islam encourages justice, mercy, and kindness toward all people. Interfaith dialogue can be conducted while maintaining Islamic identity, demonstrating practical adherence to Qur’anic ethics.
Could this visit be seen as a symbolic gesture or practical step?
Both: it symbolized reconciliation and unity while practically showcasing Islam’s ethical framework through Turkey’s hospitality and respect for Christian traditions.