Erdogan praises deceased Pope Francis as champion of interfaith dialogue

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences Monday following the death of Pope Francis, praising the pontiff as a respected statesman and spiritual leader who prioritized interfaith dialogue and took initiative on humanitarian issues.

“Pope Francis was a respected statesman who valued dialogue between different faith groups and took initiative in the face of humanitarian tragedies, especially the Palestine issue and the genocide in Gaza,” Erdogan said in a message shared on social media.

“On behalf of myself and my nation, I extend my condolences to the deceased’s family, the Vatican State, and the Catholic world,” the president added.

The Vatican announced Pope Francis’s death earlier on Monday. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, confirmed in a video statement that the 88-year-old pontiff had died following complications from a recent illness.

Pope had expressed intention to visit Türkiye

Pope Francis’s death has cast doubt on what would have been a significant visit to Türkiye planned for this year. The pontiff had expressed interest in traveling to Iznik (ancient Nicaea) to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea—a pivotal gathering in Christian history that took place in 325 A.D.

Shortly before the Pope’s death, the Vatican’s Press Office responded to an inquiry from Türkiye Today’s Koray Erdogan about the proposed visit, noting, “The Pope has expressed his intention to go, but there has been no official announcement, so at present we have no considerations to share.”

The historic Council of Nicaea, convened by Roman Emperor Constantine I, was instrumental in establishing core doctrines of Christianity. The anniversary represents a moment of deep significance for Christians worldwide.

Legacy of exceptional dialogue with Pope

Pope Francis visited Türkiye in 2014, meeting with political and religious leaders in what observers characterized as a mission of mutual respect and cultural understanding. Last year, he reaffirmed his interest in Türkiye during a meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

With the papal seat now vacant, the College of Cardinals will soon convene a conclave to elect a new pope.

It remains unknown whether Francis’s successor will maintain plans for the commemorative visit to Iznik or if the journey will be postponed or canceled.

Experts note that while the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea continues to represent a powerful symbol of Christian unity, commemorations without the presence of Pope Francis would differ substantially from the original vision.