The pontiff began his first apostolic journey in Turkey highlighting the image of the Dardanelles Bridge as a symbol of unity between Asia and Europe, but also the country’s “plurality”. He called for the "culture of encounter" advocated by Pope Francis, but also by Pope John XXIII who served as apostolic delegate in Istanbul 90 years ago. Leo also called for love to have a "public" dimension while rejecting the mindset that “might is right”.

On the day of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Turkey, AsiaNews publishes a reflection by Metropolitan Job. The theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics does not seek compromise. On the contrary, it produces fruits and agreements on the path towards visible Christian unity. The common condemnation of Uniatism as a method and the interdependence of primacy and synodality.

After Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, Leo XIV is now visiting the country on his first apostolic trip abroad. From the post-Regensburg controversy to the attacks over the Armenian genocide, the Turkish leader and his predecessors have had a sometimes troubled relationship with Roman pontiffs. For Fr Monge, the type of unity proposed by Pope Leo XIV is an expression of diversity reconciled by the Holy Spirit.

Ahead of the Pope's visit to Turkey, Monsignor Antuan Ilgıt, the first native to lead the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, speaks: ‘I feel close to young people because of my life experience,’ he says. ‘Our Church? It is a seed for the world.’

The two countries struck a deal after divisions had led to speculation about a fallback on the organisation's headquarters in Bonn. Turkey will host the event, while Australia will chair the talks. Concerns remain about the true effectiveness of the collaboration between the two countries, coupled with criticism from Pacific nations who had hoped to see the event take place in their region.

The schedule and logos of the pope’s first international apostolic journey have been made public. In Iznik, a prayer will be held at the site of the ancient Basilica of Nicaea, where archaeological work is currently underway; in Istanbul, the pope will visit the Blue Mosque, but not Hagia Sophia (which Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI visited). In Lebanon, the pontiff will join an interfaith meeting in Martyrs' Square and stop at the port devastated by the 2020 explosion.