Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's relationships with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States hold potential for fostering dialogue and aiding in the pursuit of a ceasefire to end the war in Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV stated on Sunday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the pope made these remarks during a flight to Lebanon after concluding his significant three-day visit to Trkiye, which included stops in Ankara, Istanbul, and the historically significant city of Iznik, formerly known as Nicaea. Pope Leo emphasized that his journey aimed at promoting peace throughout the region, highlighting his discussions with Erdogan as a crucial aspect of his visit.
Pope Leo further commented on the coexistence of different faiths in Trkiye, a nation with a Muslim-majority population and Christian minorities, as a model for peaceful coexistence globally. He expressed the Vatican's support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, despite Israel's current dismissal of the proposal, viewing it as the sole path to resolving the ongoing conflict.
The pontiff reiterated the Vatican's commitment to acting as a mediating voice, advocating for a solution that ensures justice for all parties involved. He mentioned discussions with President Erdogan, noting that Erdogan supports the two-state proposal and recognizing Trkiye's potential crucial role in advancing this peace initiative.