Pope Leo XIV Warns Global Conflicts Threaten Humanity on First Overseas Trip

Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful appeal for peace as he opened his first diplomatic trip abroad, warning that rising global tensions driven by economic and military ambitions are putting the future of humanity at risk. Speaking to civic leaders and lawmakers at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, he echoed concerns that such fractured conflicts resemble a “Third World War fought piecemeal.”

“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,” the pope said. “We must in no way give in to this. The future of humanity is at stake.”

Meetings and messages

Arriving in Ankara, Pope Leo — the first American to hold the papacy — was greeted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan described the visit as coming at a “highly critical time,” citing ongoing fighting in the region and a deadly strike earlier this year on a Catholic church in the Palestinian territories. He praised the pope’s defense of Palestinian dignity and urged reinforced ceasefires, civilian protection, and unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza.

The pope framed the trip, which includes stops in Istanbul and Lebanon, around themes of unity and peace. He emphasized the need for people of different faiths and beliefs to live as brothers and sisters despite their differences.

On the ground and in flight

After landing in Ankara, Leo visited the Diyanet (Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs), met the country’s chief rabbi, and later laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. He left Ankara for Istanbul the same day and is scheduled to meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and participate in commemorations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Iznik.

The pope’s itinerary balances formal diplomatic engagements with religious observances and outreach to local Christian communities — many of which are ancient and minority communities in predominantly Muslim countries.

Onboard his papal flight from Rome, Leo personally greeted roughly 80 journalists, thanked them for their service, and wished Americans a happy Thanksgiving. He accepted traditional Thanksgiving pies and other gifts — including memorabilia from his favored baseball team — and said he would share the desserts. Light moments included his remark to the Associated Press about Wordle: he changes his starter word daily and solved that day’s puzzle in three attempts.

Context and significance

Leo’s remarks reflect a continuation of his predecessor’s practice of using the papal platform to highlight international conflicts and humanitarian concerns. By engaging political and religious leaders in Turkey and visiting Lebanon amid recent violence, the pope is seeking to reinforce calls for peace, humanitarian relief, and interfaith dialogue at a moment of acute regional tension.