Pope Leo XIV Champions Peace on First Trip to Turkey

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Ankara, Turkey, for his first official visit outside the Vatican. The American-born pope received a ceremonial welcome, complete with a military honor guard at the airport. He later met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace. Throughout his arrival, Pope Leo XIV consistently emphasized a message of peace. The visit is particularly significant for Turkey's small Catholic community, who warmly welcomed the Pontiff. This trip marks a major moment for the new Pope's outreach to a predominantly Muslim nation.