Pope Leo XIV warned on Thursday that humanity is facing an escalating wave of violent conflicts, describing them as a “third world war being fought piecemeal.” The remarks came during his first trip abroad as head of the Catholic Church, underscoring his concern over mounting global instability.
Arriving in Ankara for a three-day visit, the 70-year-old pontiff—also the first US-born pope—was received with an official welcome by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace. The trip to largely Muslim Turkey marks the 1,700th anniversary of the historic Council of Nicaea, which produced the Nicene Creed still recited by Christians worldwide.
In his first overseas address since his election in May, Pope Leo expressed deep concern that “ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace” were putting humanity’s future at risk. He emphasized the urgent need for unity, compassion, and cooperation to preserve peace across nations.
Before the Pope’s speech, Erdogan commended his “astute stance” on the Palestinian issue and expressed hope that the visit would promote understanding and harmony in an increasingly divided world. The meeting follows Leo’s September discussion with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican, during which he highlighted the “tragic situation” in Gaza.
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