Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Welcome Ceremony, Visit to President of the Republic

At 13.00 (local time), the Pope left Ankara-Esenboğa International Airport and transferred by car to the Mausoleum of Atatürk.

On arrival at the Mausoleum, he was received by the Minister, the Deputy Governor of Ankara, the Commander of the Ankara Garrison, the Deputy Mayor of Ankara, the Commander of the Mausoleum and the Director General of Protocol at the foot of the stairs at the beginning of Lion's Road , the avenue leading to the Mausoleum, where a wreath-laying ceremony took place.

After the group photograph with the delegation, Pope Leo XIV proceeded towards the Misak-ı Millî Tower for the signing of the Book of Honour. He then paid a brief visit to the Museum dedicated to Atatürk and the history of the Republic.

At 14.00, the Holy Father transferred by car to the Presidential Palace where, on arrival, he was escorted by the cavalry to the main entrance gate. The Pope was welcomed by the President of the Republic and together they proceeded to the podium.

After the national anthems, 21 cannon shots, the salute to the flags, the Guard of Honour, the presentation of the respective delegations and the official photo at the entrance to the Presidential Palace, the President and the Pope took the lift to the second floor of the Presidential Palace for a group photograph with the Turkish delegation and the Vatican delegation. They then proceeded to the President’s Office for the private meeting, the presentation of the family and the photograph with the family.

At 15.25, the Holy Father transferred by car to the Nation’s Library for the meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps.

 

Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps

At 15.30, the meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps took place in the Nation’s Library .

On arrival, the Holy Father was received by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and together they proceeded to the stage set up for the speeches.

Below is the address delivered by Pope Leo XIV to those present during the meeting with the authorities, the diplomatic Corps and civil society:

 

Address of the Holy Father

Mr President, Distinguished Authorities, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for your kind welcome! I am pleased to begin the Apostolic Journeys of my Pontificate with a visit to your country, for this land is inextricably linked to the origins of Christianity, and today it beckons the children of Abraham and all humanity to a fraternity that recognizes and appreciates differences.

The natural beauty of your country urges us to protect God’s creation. Moreover, the cultural, artistic and spiritual richness of the places you inhabit reminds us that when different generations, traditions and ideas meet, great civilizations are forged in which development and wisdom are drawn together into a unity. On the one hand, it is true that human history has centuries of conflict behind it, and that the world around us is still destabilized by ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace. At the same time, when faced with challenges, being a people with such a great past is both a gift and a responsibility.

The image of the bridge over the Dardanelles Strait, chosen as the logo for my journey, eloquently expresses your country’s special role. You have an important place in both the present and future of the Mediterranean, and of the whole world, above all by valuing your internal diversity. Even before linking Asia with Europe, East with West, this bridge connects Türkiye to itself. It combines different parts of the country, making it from within, as it were, a “crossroads of sensibilities.” In such a case, uniformity would be an impoverishment. Indeed, a society is alive if it has a plurality, for what makes it a civil society are the bridges that link its people together. Yet today, human communities are increasingly polarized and torn apart by extreme positions that fragment them.

I willingly assure you that Christians desire to contribute positively to the unity of your country. They are, and feel part of, Turkish identity, which was highly esteemed  Saint John XXIII , whom you remember as the “Turkish Pope” for the deep friendship that always bound him to your people. He was Administrator of the Latin Vicariate of Istanbul and Apostolic Delegate in Türkiye and Greece from 1935 to 1945, and worked tirelessly to ensure that Catholics did not exclude themselves from the ongoing development of your new Republic. He wrote during those years, that here in this Nation, “we Latin Catholics of Istanbul, and Catholics of other rites, Armenian, Greek, Chaldean, Syrian etc., are a modest minority living on the surface of a vast world with which we have only limited contact. We like to distinguish ourselves from those who do not profess our faith: our Orthodox brothers, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, believers and non-believers of other religions... It seems logical that everyone should mind their own business, their own family or national traditions, keeping within the limited circle of their own community... My dear brothers and sisters, my dear children, I must tell you that in the light of the Gospel and of Catholic principles, this is a false logic.” [1] Since then, great strides have undoubtedly been made within the Church and in your society, yet those words still resonate strongly in our day, and continue to inspire a more evangelical and genuine way of thinking, which  Pope Francis  called the “culture of encounter.”

Indeed, from the very heart of the Mediterranean,  my venerable Predecessor  opposed the “globalization of indifference,” by inviting us to feel the pain of others and to listen to the cry of the poor and of the earth. He thus encouraged us to compassionate action, which is a reflection of the one God who is merciful and compassionate, “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” ( Ps  103:8). The image of your great bridge is also helpful in this sense, for God, in revealing himself, established a bridge between heaven and earth. He did so in order that our hearts might change, becoming like his. It is a vast suspension bridge, almost defying the laws of physics. Likewise, in addition to its intimate and private aspects, love too has a visible and public dimension.

Furthermore, justice and mercy challenge the mentality of “might is right,” and dare to ask that compassion and solidarity be considered as the authentic criteria for development. For this reason, in a society like the one here in Türkiye, where religion plays a visible role, it is essential to honor the dignity and freedom of all God’s children, both men and women, fellow nationals and foreigners, poor and rich. We are all children of God, and this has personal, social and political implications. Those with hearts docile to the will of God always promote the common good and respect for all. Today, this is a great challenge, which must reshape local policies and international relations, especially in the face of technological developments that could otherwise exacerbate injustice instead of helping to overcome it. Even artificial intelligence simply reproduces our own preferences and accelerates processes that, on closer inspection, are not the work of machines, but of humanity itself. Let us work together, therefore, to change the trajectory of development and repair the damage already done to the unity of our human family.

Ladies and gentlemen, I just mentioned the human family. This metaphor invites us to establish a connection – once again, a bridge – between our common destiny and the experiences of each individual. Indeed, for each one of us, the family was the first nucleus of social life, in which we learned that without the “other” there is no “I.” More so than in other countries, the family retains great importance in Turkish culture, and there is no shortage of initiatives to support its centrality. Indeed, attitudes essential for civil coexistence, plus the initial and fundamental sensitivity to the common good, mature precisely within the family. Of course, every family can also close in on itself, cultivate hostility, or prevent some of its members from expressing themselves to the point of hindering the development of their talents. Nevertheless, people do not obtain greater opportunities or happiness from an individualistic culture, nor by showing contempt for marriage or shunning openness to life.

Moreover, consumerist economies are deceptive in that loneliness becomes a business. We should respond to this with a culture that appreciates affection and personal connection. For it is only together that we can become our authentic selves. Only through love does our inner life become profound and our identity strong. Those who scorn fundamental human ties, and fail to learn how to bear even their limitations and fragility, more easily become intolerant and incapable of interacting with our complex world. At the same time, it is within family life that the value of conjugal love and the contribution of women emerge in a very specific way. Women, in particular, through their studies and active participation in professional, cultural and political life, are increasingly placing themselves at the service of your country and its positive influence on the international scene. We must greatly value, then, the important initiatives in this regard, which support the family and the contribution that women make toward the full flowering of social life.

Mr President, may Türkiye be a source of stability and rapprochement between peoples, in service of a just and lasting peace. The visits to Türkiye by four Popes –  Paul VI  in 1967,  John Paul II  in 1979,  Benedict XVI  in 2006 and  Francis  in 2014 – show that the Holy See not only maintains good relations with the Republic of Türkiye, but also desires to cooperate in building a better world with the contribution of this country, which is a bridge between East and West, between Asia and Europe, and a crossroads of cultures and religions. The particular occasion of my own visit, the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, speaks to us of encounter and dialogue, as does the fact that the first eight ecumenical councils were held in the lands of present-day Türkiye.

Today, more than ever, we need people who will promote dialogue and practice it with firm will and patient resolve. In the aftermath of the tragedies of two world wars, which saw the building of large international organizations, we are now experiencing a phase marked by a heightened level of conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and military power. This is enabling what  Pope Francis  called “a third world war fought piecemeal.” We must in no way give in to this! The future of humanity is at stake. The energies and resources absorbed by this destructive dynamic are being diverted from the real challenges that the human family should instead be facing together today, namely peace, the fight against hunger and poverty, health and education, and the protection of creation.

The Holy See, with only its spiritual and moral strength, wishes to cooperate with all nations that have at heart the integral development of each and every person. Let us walk together, then, in truth and in friendship, humbly trusting in the help of God.

Thank you.

________________________

 

[1] Angelo G. Roncalli (John XXIII),  La predicazione a Istanbul. Omelie, discorsi e note pastorali (1935-1944) , Olschki, Firenze 1993, 367-368.

The following is the telegram sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, for the victims of the fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong:

 

Telegram

HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL STEPHEN CHOW SAU-YAN, SJ BISHOP OF HONG KONG

HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV WAS SADDENED TO BE INFORMED OF THE FIRE THAT ENGULFED NUMEROUS APARTMENT BUILDINGS IN THE TAI PO DISTRICT OF HONG KONG, AND HE SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL SOLIDARITY TO ALL THOSE SUFFERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF THIS CALAMITY, ESPECIALLY THE INJURED AND THE FAMILIES WHO GRIEVE. HE LIKEWISE COMMENDS THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY, AND OFFERS PRAYERS FOR THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WHO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND SEARCH FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL MISSING. UPON ALL, HIS HOLINESS INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF STRENGTH, CONSOLATION AND PEACE.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN SECRETARY OF STATE

The following is the telegram sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to the Honourable Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the occasion of the Third Forum on Religious Freedom, taking place in Palazzo Chigi, Rome:

 

Telegram

HIS EXCELLENCY HONOURABLE ANTONIO TAJANI MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

ON THE OCCASION OF THE FORUM ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, ENTITLED “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: RIGHTS, ETHICS AND INNOVATION”, THE HOLY FATHER IS PLEASED TO CONVEY HIS CORDIAL GREETING TO THE PARTICIPANTS. HIS HOLINESS HOPES THAT THE EVENT MAY OFFER CAREFUL REFLECTION TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE COMMITMENT OF INSTITUTIONS AT EVERY LEVEL, TO GUARANTEE “AUTHENTIC RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND A RESPECTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES” ( AUDIENCE , 21 JUNE 2025) AND THAT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MAY BE “OF GREAT HELP TO SOCIETY, PROVIDED THAT ITS EMPLOYMENT DOES NOT UNDERMINE THE IDENTITY AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON AND HIS OR HER FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS” ( IBID ). WITH THESE THOUGHTS, POPE LEO XIV INVITES EVERYONE TO RENEW THEIR ATTENTION TO THE VALUES OF FREEDOM AND MUTUAL RESPECT, ENTRUSTS EACH ONE TO THE INTERCESSION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND WILLINGLY IMPARTS THE DESIRED APOSTOLIC BLESSING.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN SECRETARY OF STATE OF HIS HOLINESS

This morning, on the aircraft carrying him to Türkiye, the Holy Father greeted the journalists accompanying him on the papal flight.

Following the presentation by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, the Pope addressed the following words to the journalists:

 

Greeting of the Holy Father

Matteo Bruni

Good morning, good morning everyone! Hello, Your Holiness. You are greeted here by the journalists admitted to the papal flight. There are more than 80 on this occasion, from approximately fifteen different countries, for your first journey: many information professionals, also from the countries we will visit, so from Lebanon, Türkiye and the region. But before listening to your words, there is the journalist Valentina Alazraki who, in view of the number of journeys she has made, and her years of work, would perhaps like to say a few words to you.

 

Valentina Alazraki

Holy Father, good morning! I would like to welcome you on behalf of all of us. I had the great privilege of starting with John Paul II in my country, Mexico, in 1979, and also of welcoming your predecessor Pope Francis who, when he was in Argentina, did not like journalists at all. So, when he came to us, I said to him: “Perhaps you feel like you've entered the lions' den...”. In this case, you are Leone, the “lion”, so you have nothing to fear! Then, at Castel Gandolfo, you already broke the ice, answered our colleagues’ questions and got to know them. We would really like to be your travelling companions and to establish a human as well as a professional relationship, because getting to know each other, understanding each other, our difficulties and our needs, will enable us to be better bridges between you and the world and all the countries we represent. We are going to the East and we are giving you a Byzantine icon of the Virgin of Guadalupe, para que guie los pasos de un Papa americano, americano del Norte por nacimiento, de corazón América del Sur. Bienvenido y muchísimas gracias [so that she may guide the steps of an American Pope, American by birth, South American at heart. Welcome and thank you very much].

 

Pope Leo XIV

Buongiorno a tutti! To the Americans here: Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s a wonderful day to celebrate. And I want to begin by saying thank you to each and every one of you for the service that you offer to the Vatican, to the Holy See, to my person, but to the whole world.

It’s so important today that the message be transmitted in a way that really reveals the truth and the harmony that the world needs, and in a special way, this particular trip to Turkey and to Lebanon has, as you know, first of all, the very meaning of unity celebrating 1700 years from the Council of Nicaea.

And I very much have been looking forward to this trip because of what it means for all Christians. But it’s also a great message to the whole world and in a special way, with the presence of myself, of the Church, of believers in both Turkey and in Lebanon. We hope to also announce, transmit and proclaim how is important peace throughout the world. And to invite all people to come together to search for greater unity, greater harmony, and to look for the ways that all men and women can truly be brothers and sisters. In spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs, that we are all brothers and sisters, and to hopefully be a part of promoting peace, unity throughout the world.

So thank you all for being here. I‘ll be happy to greet you all, at least from here, maybe individually. Thank you for the service you'll be doing during these days. And thanks for being part of this historic moment.

Muchas gracias .

Appointment of adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts

The Holy Father has appointed Msgr. Marco Mellini, until now secretary of the Interdicastery Commission for the Revision of the General Regulations of the Roman Curia, as adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts.