Pope Leo used the opening day of his first trip outside Italy on Thursday to warn that a surge in violent conflicts had pushed the world toward what he called a “piecemeal” third world war, saying the future of humanity was at risk.

In his first speech abroad since becoming the Catholic Church’s leader in May, the first US pope denounced “ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace,” telling Turkish political leaders that global instability was being driven by economic and military power plays.

“We must in no way give in to this,” Leo said after meeting Erdogan in Ankara. “The future of humanity is at stake.”

Erdogan, speaking before the pope, praised Leo’s “astute stance” on the Palestinian issue and said he hoped the visit would bring “benefit for humanity at a time of tension and uncertainty.” The two met privately before addressing an audience of political and religious officials.

A meaningful opportunity

The Turkish president described Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey as “a very important step that strengthens our common ground,” framing the trip as a meaningful opportunity to deepen dialogue at a critical geopolitical moment.

During a joint address at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan emphasized that the pope’s arrival comes amid heightened regional and international tensions.

“I believe the messages to be delivered from Türkiye (with Pope Leo XIV) will reach the Turkish-Islamic world and the Christian world, and will strengthen hope for peace around the globe,” he said.

‘Intolerance feeds conflict’

Speaking within the broader context of rising discrimination and debates over coexistence, Erdogan warned against the widening cycle of hostility.

“Intolerance feeds conflict, and conflict feeds division and hatred. The rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West are manifestations of this vicious cycle,” he said.

The president stressed that Turkey is choosing a principled path despite the difficult regional environment, insisting the country continues to shoulder responsibility in defending peace and justice.

He also underscored the significance of the pope’s advocacy for dialogue, particularly in relation to diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Turkey, he noted, is closely following recent initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and stands ready to provide support.

‘Greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice’

Turning to the war in Gaza, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's position that achieving justice for Palestinians is essential.

“As the family of humanity, our greatest debt to the Palestinian people is justice. The way to pay this debt is to implement a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders,” he said.

He added, “I believe we will continue to act jointly against any aggressive actions that may harm the historical identity of East Jerusalem.”

Erdogan accused the Israeli military of striking civilian areas in Gaza, including sites of worship from multiple faiths. He pointed in particular to the Holy Family Church, operated by the Catholic Church, as one of the religious sites affected by the bombardment.

The president concluded by stressing that maintaining “the historical status quo” in al-Quds remains of “critical importance” for regional stability and interfaith harmony.

Trip closely watched for geopolitical signals

Arriving in Ankara shortly after midday, Leo told reporters aboard the papal flight that he wanted his first overseas journey to send a clear message on the urgency of global peace.

“We hope to announce, transmit, proclaim how important peace is throughout the world,” he stressed. “And to invite all people to come together, to search for greater unity, greater harmony.”

Analysts say the trip is likely to reveal more about Leo’s geopolitical worldview, which remains largely unknown. “This is the first major opportunity for him to make his views clear,” said Massimo Faggioli, a Vatican specialist.

Leo, 70, was elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, who frequently warned that today’s conflicts amounted to a “piecemeal world war.” Francis had planned to visit Turkey and Lebanon, but was unable to travel due to deteriorating health.

Pope Leo XIV's mission

Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit, his first official foreign trip, comes at one of the most challenging periods in Lebanon's modern history. Since 2019, the country has grappled with economic collapse, political paralysis, currency devaluation, the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion, and the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

#PopeLeo XIV is bringing a "message of peace and hope" to Lebanon during his upcoming visit, he told #AlMayadeen's correspondent in the #Vatican, relaying his happiness about the occasion.

The visit, which is part of the Pope’s first foreign tour since he assumed the position… pic.twitter.com/bctjrsMcR9

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 26, 2025

His visit fulfills a promise made by Pope Francis, who long expressed his desire to travel to Lebanon.

The visit's theme, building bridges, will manifest through silent prayer at the port explosion site, interfaith dialogue with Christian and Muslim leaders, youth gatherings, and an outdoor Mass at the Beirut waterfront.

Strategic significance: Lebanon, Turkey, and the Council of Nicaea

Pope Leo XIV's decision to pair Lebanon and Turkey on his first overseas trip carries deep symbolic weight. Lebanon remains West Asia's primary Christian anchor, where roughly a third of the population is Christian, many belonging to Eastern Catholic churches in full communion with Rome.

Lebanon's Christian communities trace their origins to the Apostolic age, and the Maronite Church maintains a uniquely close relationship with the Vatican.

Equally significant is the Turkish leg of his journey, tied to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. Convened in 325 CE in Nicaea (modern İznik) by Emperor Constantine, this landmark gathering brought together roughly 300 bishops to resolve disputes dividing early Christianity. The council produced the Nicene Creed, the foundational statement of faith recited by millions of Christians each Sunday.