Pope Leo XIV Condemns Use of Religion to Justify Violence During Visit to Turkey

Pope Leo XIV, during his visit to Turkey, condemned the use of religion to justify war, violence, or fanaticism. He emphasized the need for unity and dialogue among diverse communities, stating that humanity afflicted by violence and conflict is crying out for reconciliation. The pontiff called on worshippers to enable dialogue and cooperation between different communities and see the humanity in others. He stressed that religions, by their very nature, are repositories of this truth and should encourage individuals, groups, and peoples to recognize this and put it into practice.

The pope's remarks were made during an ecumenical prayer service held at the archaeological site of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos in İznik, Turkey. The event marked the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a foundational moment in Christian history.

Pope Leo XIV was joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and other Christian leaders from various denominations. The leaders prayed together for Christian unity, emphasizing overcoming historical divisions, especially those stemming from the Great Schism of 1054.

The pontiff's visit to Turkey also included meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, where he emphasized the need for justice, peace, and interreligious harmony.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey is part of his first apostolic journey abroad since his election in May 2025. The trip aims to promote dialogue and unity among Christians, as well as interreligious dialogue in a region marked by both a rich history and ongoing tensions.