Pope Leo XIV began his first Apostolic Journey abroad on Thursday with a solemn visit to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara, shortly after receiving an official welcome at the city’s international airport.
Accompanied by Türkiye’s Minister, Vice-Governor, and the Commander of the Mausoleum, the Pope toured Anıtkabir — the national memorial dedicated to Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic. He then signed the Book of Honour, writing:
“I give thanks to God for being able to visit Türkiye, and I invoke upon this country and its people an abundance of peace and prosperity.”
The visit marked Pope Leo’s first public engagement on his 6-day trip to Türkiye and Lebanon — his first Apostolic Visit outside Italy since becoming Pope.
Anıtkabir holds immense symbolic significance for the Turkish people as the resting place of Atatürk, architect of Türkiye’s independence, modernization, and secular identity. The mausoleum complex also contains the tomb of İsmet İnönü, the nation’s second president, positioned across from Atatürk’s sarcophagus.
The memorial consists of four major sections: the Road of Lions, the expansive Ceremonial Plaza, the Hall of Honour where Atatürk lies in state, and the surrounding Peace Park.
Pope Leo’s stop at the mausoleum set a tone of respect and bridge-building at the start of a journey aimed at promoting unity, peace, and interreligious dialogue.
Credit: Vatican News
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