Turkey's Erdogan urges new Pope Leo XIV to aid Gaza peace effort
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reached out to the new Pope Leo XIV to propose joint efforts to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This appeal was conveyed in a letter sent on Friday.
What do you need to know?
- The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to the new Pope Leo XIV, proposing joint actions to end humanitarian tragedies in the Gaza Strip.
- The new Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on Thursday and is the first pope from the USA.
- Erdogan emphasized the importance of dialogue between Turkey and the Vatican, believing it can contribute to strengthening tolerance on the international stage.
What are Erdogan's goals?
In his letter to Pope Leo XIV, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope for the continuation of the dialogue he had previously established with Pope Francis. Erdogan emphasized that cooperation with the Vatican could significantly contribute to ending humanitarian tragedies, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
"It is my sincere belief that further advancing the relations between Türkiye and the Vatican will significantly contribute to the strengthening of tolerance in the international arena and the ending of humanitarian tragedies, especially in Gaza," Erdogan emphasized.
In his letter, Erdogan also congratulated the new pope on his election, highlighting his American origin as a historic event.
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV?
The new pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost from the USA, who took the name Leo XIV. His election was announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.
The 69-year-old has extensive missionary experience, gained in service in Peru, among other places. In recent years, he served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He was considered one of the favourites to ascend to the papal throne.
