Erdogan calls on Pope Leo XIV for peace efforts in Gaza Strip
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 resolve humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip.
- The new Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on Thursday and is the first pope from the United States.
- Erdogan emphasized the importance of dialogue between Turkey and the Vatican, believing it can help strengthen 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 a continuation of the dialogue he had previously established with Pope Francis. Erdogan stressed that cooperation with the Vatican could make a significant contribution to ending humanitarian tragedies, especially 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 has taken 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 through service in Peru, among other places. In recent years, he served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was considered one of the frontrunners for the papal position.
