By Mihayel Rabo
Pope Leo XIV concluded his three-day visit to Turkey on 30 November 2025 after which he departed for Lebanon. The Pope’s visit to Turkey will go into the records as one of the most significant events worldwide. It will secure its place in history. Four popes preceded him this century, Pope Leo is the fifth to visit Turkey.
The Pope’s visit to Turkey raised many questions in Turkey, as it did around the world. Why did the Pope undertake this visit? Some circles argue he came to unite Christians and eliminate differences between denominations. Others say it was entirely a political visit. Still others, however, claim that the visit was purely political in nature.
In addition to these questions, the timing is particularly striking. The visit took place at a time when the Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Palestine war, and peace talks in Turkey are all ongoing. This adds significance to the visit. Moreover, the Pope is a highly prominent figure: a politician, a man of the faith, and the religious leader of one and a half to two billion Christians.
Some circles claim that the visit was also prompted by the surfacing of the foundations of the church where the ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD) was held, revealed as water levels receded in the İznik district of Bursa. In fact, both views may be correct.
It is well known that efforts have been underway for many years to achieve full unity among Christians. Therefore, this thesis seems to carry more weight. The discovery of the site where the Council of Nicaea was held might indeed be an important reason for visits, as the emergence of the Council’s location above the water represents a historic moment.
During his stay in Istanbul, the Pope had a very busy schedule. From visits to nursing homes to churches, from a meeting with the Turkish president to leading a large mass. He had, so to speak, no time to spare.
The Pope, who arrived on a private aircraft, was provided with the highest level of security. Istanbul was effectively placed on lockdown. At every location he visited, the police formed a human wall around him. Ten thousand police officers were assigned to protect the Pope throughout the capital. Police cordons were set up every ten meters along his route.
The Pope did not limit his visits to churches alone. He also visited the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, sending a message of peace to the Muslim world. Security remained at the highest level, and particularly strict measures were taken before and after his meeting at the Syriac Mor Ephrem Church in Yeşilköy. The hall in the church where the clergymen convened was searched dozens of times for security reasons. Before the meeting began, all press members were ushered out and all cameras and recording equipment were completely turned off.
The meeting, scheduled to last an hour and fifteen minutes, extended to a full two hours. An estimated twenty-two cardinals attended. It is completely unknown what was discussed, but it included participants from all denominations.
While all this was taking place, radical Islamist groups appeared almost frenzied. They protested the Pope’s arrival in Turkey issuing harsh and derogatory statements. The same persons who had spent years criticizing Islamophobia, kept, for some reason and without hesitation, attacking another religion in insulting and humiliating language. Conservative journalists, politicians, and political parties depicted the Pope’s visit as an incident aimed at undermining Turkey’s integrity.
The Pope’s visit to Istanbul is one of the world’s most significant events. While the Pope delivered a very peaceful and humane speech encompassing all faiths, stating that they are working to end wars around the world and will continue to do so, radical Islamist groups turned a deaf ear to his message.
Pope Leo XIV’s decision to make his first foreign visit to Turkey is also valuable in terms of promoting the country to the world. Had Turkey spent millions of dollars, it could not have achieved this much publicity. In short, the Pope’s visit to Turkey was important politically, economically, and for tourism.
Heavy Cranes at Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most important places of worship in the world. To me, it is a church; to others, a mosque. Yet, one cannot cover the sun with mud. Even if minarets are added, a mihrab is installed, or if the frescoes are covered, it remains a church. Everything else may be changed, but its spirit, its original purpose, can never be changed.
Throughout history, Hagia Sophia has undergone dozens of renovations and has survived earthquakes and fires. None of these, however, were able to alter its mystical atmosphere, its history, or the mission it embodies.
According to media reports, heavy cranes have now been spotted inside Hagia Sophia. Official statements indicate that a restoration process, expected to last years, is set to begin. Despite experts warning that this is highly inappropriate and that allowing high-tonnage machinery into the site poses serious risks, heavy construction equipment has nevertheless been brought inside Hagia Sophia.
We can safely assume that the pressure on Hagia Sophia is far from over. Most likely, these last few ‘restorations’ will cover the last uncovered frescoes in the church, and the parts used as museum will be fully integrated into the mosque. Speculation has it that the restoration of the church is merely a cover.
This article was originally written in Turkish and published by Gazete Sabro. You can find the original here.
The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SyriacPress.