Turkey

On the day of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Turkey, AsiaNews publishes a reflection by Metropolitan Job. The theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics does not seek compromise. On the contrary, it produces fruits and agreements on the path towards visible Christian unity. The common condemnation of Uniatism as a method and the interdependence of primacy and synodality.

After Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, Leo XIV is now visiting the country on his first apostolic trip abroad. From the post-Regensburg controversy to the attacks over the Armenian genocide, the Turkish leader and his predecessors have had a sometimes troubled relationship with Roman pontiffs. For Fr Monge, the type of unity proposed by Pope Leo XIV is an expression of diversity reconciled by the Holy Spirit.

Ahead of the Pope's visit to Turkey, Monsignor Antuan Ilgıt, the first native to lead the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, speaks: ‘I feel close to young people because of my life experience,’ he says. ‘Our Church? It is a seed for the world.’

The two countries struck a deal after divisions had led to speculation about a fallback on the organisation's headquarters in Bonn. Turkey will host the event, while Australia will chair the talks. Concerns remain about the true effectiveness of the collaboration between the two countries, coupled with criticism from Pacific nations who had hoped to see the event take place in their region.

The schedule and logos of the pope’s first international apostolic journey have been made public. In Iznik, a prayer will be held at the site of the ancient Basilica of Nicaea, where archaeological work is currently underway; in Istanbul, the pope will visit the Blue Mosque, but not Hagia Sophia (which Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI visited). In Lebanon, the pontiff will join an interfaith meeting in Martyrs' Square and stop at the port devastated by the 2020 explosion.

Turkey’s opposition leader calls the new case a plot to remove him from office. For observers and government opponents, this is another attempt to take over the city after the ruling AKP lost at the polls. Erdoğan dual track includes repression for opponents and critics at home, and peace mediation abroad (Gaza and Syria).

Northern Cyprus’s president-elect won over 62 per cent of the vote, beating incumbent President Ersin Tatar, who was backed by Erdoğan. Turkey’s far right is calling for the vote to be invalidated, pushing for reunification. For his part, Turkey’s president is more cautious, adopting a conciliatory tone. At issue are the island's future and its ties with Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Erdoğan is set to travel to the Persian Gulf on a three-day visit.

The Vatican announced the visit for 27 November to 2 December. Together with Patriarch Bartholomew, Leo will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which formulated the profession of faith that still unites Christians. The trip to Lebanon, which the late Francis wanted to visit, will take on particular significance given ongoing wars in the region. Cardinal Parolin speaks on the second anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on 7 October.

For the 2025/26 school year, only one new student had enrolled, but was transferred to another Greek school. The number of students at the Greek High School in the Fener neighbourhood has dropped from 730 to 30 in just under 150 years. For the sake of the school and Christian education in Turkey “I’m calling on everyone to extend a helping hand,” said Principal Dimitri Zotos.

The wave of arrests also affected a TV presenter and a rapper because they allegedly ‘offended Islam’ in a TV programme. The authorities are increasingly using subtle intimidation tactics, such as police escorts for people who are simply under investigation. Yesterday, Ozgur Celik was re-elected as provincial leader of the CHP in Istanbul after being removed by the courts.

The former apostolic vicar of Anatolia is among the more than 500 signatories of the appeal denouncing the “humanitarian tragedy” of the Palestinian civilian population. On 22 September in Rome, public prayer for an end to “genocide” and for “unarmed and disarming” peace. From the international community and the West, “no real attempt to stop Israel”; behind this war, “a formidable business. Stop sending weapons”.

Turkish authorities continue to crack down on the main opposition party. With the leadership of the commercial metropolis under commission, judges could also remove the national leadership. At least 14 people have been arrested in recent days for inciting street protests. Internet blocks and restrictions, bans on demonstrations, leafleting and sit-ins.