Erdogan slams Paris Olympics controversies in call with Pope, discusses regional issues

President Erdogan, in a phone call with Pope Francis, the sovereign of the Vatican City State, expressed concern over the controversial elements at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony that caused outrage and reactions around the world.

“Our President, (Mr.) Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholic Christians, and the Head of State of the Vatican,” the Presidency’s Communications Directorate issued the following statement.

Erdogan stated that under the guise of freedom of expression and tolerance, human dignity was trampled upon, and religious and moral values were mocked.

He said this offended Muslims as much as it did Christians, emphasizing the need for a united and common stance against such actions.

Challenging religious values

President Erdogan pointed out that challenging religious values and promoting perverse propaganda at the Olympics, which aim to bring people together, are warning signs of the moral decline the world is facing.

During the conversation, the Turkish president stated that the Israeli attacks on Gaza had turned into genocide, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

He mentioned Israel was carrying out its massacres under the diplomatic, economic, and military umbrella provided by some states.

Assassination of Haniyeh: Israel poses threat

President Erdogan said that the assassination attempt on Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the attack on Lebanon demonstrated once again that Israel poses a threat to the entire region, the world and humanity.

He stressed the need for an alliance of humanity to act swiftly to ensure the safety of Muslims and Christians living in Palestine.

President Erdogan expressed his belief that Pope Francis’s discussions with countries supporting Israel to halt the attacks and ensure lasting peace would be beneficial before irreparable damage is done to the political, security and social fabric of the region and the world.

During the call, Pope Francis thanked Erdogan for his efforts towards peace and his sensitivity towards the degradation of religious values.

‘My grandchild told me not to go’

President Erdogan recently made strong remarks about the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Macron invited me. I thought I should go,” Erdogan maintained.

“My 13-year-old grandchild said, ‘Grandpa, don’t go.’ I asked, ‘Why?’ She said they would hold an LGBT demonstration there. She showed me those images on Instagram. I said, ‘Alright, my dear, I won’t go.'”

Erdogan had earlier mentioned he would discuss this matter with the Pope at the earliest opportunity.

“I will call Pope Francis about this and share with him the immorality done to the Christian world and all Christians,” he had said.