Pope Leo XIV arrived on an official visit to Turkey and met with President Erdogan

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Ankara on an official visit. As part of the visit, the pontiff visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, and held a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace.

According to Vatican News, after the official welcoming ceremony, the first item on the program was a visit to Ataturk’s mausoleum. The visit emphasized respect for the founder of the modern secular Turkish state, who introduced radical reforms including abolishing the caliphate, replacing Ottoman law with a civil code and granting women suffrage.

Pope Leo XIV then headed to the Presidential Palace, formerly known as Ak Saray. It is worth noting that Pope Francis had already visited this palace in November 2014. At the entrance, the pontiff was met by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A 21-gun salute was given in honor of the distinguished guest from the Vatican.

The solemn meeting was followed by a private conversation between Pope Leo XIV and President Erdogan. At the end of the meeting, the Turkish leader presented to the pontiff members of his family.

Recall, earlier we reported that in Turkey protests began in anticipation of the visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for November 27-30. Discontent of nationalist circles is caused by the Vatican’s plans to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in ancient Nicea (modern Iznik) on a day of special historical significance for the country, as well as the participation in the events of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.