Pope Leo XIV highlights Erdogan’s role in mediating Ukraine conflict

(MENAFN) According to recent reports, Pope Leo XIV suggested that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s relationships with leaders in the US, Russia, and Ukraine could open space for renewed dialogue and possibly support efforts toward a ceasefire and an eventual resolution to the war.

The pope offered these reflections while traveling to Lebanon after concluding a notable three-day journey across Türkiye, where he visited Ankara, Istanbul, and the historic city of Iznik. He explained that his trip carried a broader purpose: "To have come to Türkiye and now to Lebanon on this trip, there was, of course, a special theme of, if you will, being a messenger of peace, of wanting to promote peace throughout the region," Pope Leo noted.

He emphasized that meeting with President Erdogan was a key aspect of his stay, describing the opportunity for conversation as an “important element” of the visit. Reports highlight that the pontiff pointed to Türkiye’s blend of a Muslim-majority population and longstanding Christian communities as a living example of religious groups coexisting in harmony—something he views as a model worth emulating globally.

Turning to the wider Middle East, the pope reaffirmed the Vatican’s consistent stance favoring a two-state solution. He remarked that despite present resistance from Israel, this framework remains the only viable route toward resolving the longstanding conflict. He explained that the Vatican aims to serve as a mediating voice focused on fairness and mutual recognition.

"We have also spoken about this with President Erdogan. He certainly agrees with this proposal. Türkiye has an important role that could play in this," he added, underscoring Ankara’s potential influence in shaping a path toward peace.

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