Ankara: Pope Leo XIV began his historic Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon on Thursday with a solemn visit to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the revered founder of modern Türkiye. The visit marked the Pope’s first official engagement upon landing in Ankara and underscored the diplomatic and symbolic importance of his trip.
Following a brief welcome ceremony at Ankara’s International Airport, the Pope travelled to Anıtkabir Atatürk’s monumental resting place accompanied by senior Turkish officials, including the Minister, the Vice-Governor, and the Commander of the Mausoleum. The vast memorial complex, a national symbol of Turkey’s independence and secular identity, served as the backdrop for this significant moment of respect and reflection.
Inside the Mausoleum’s Book of Honour, Pope Leo penned a message conveying gratitude and goodwill, 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.” His words reflected both a spiritual blessing and a diplomatic gesture toward fostering deeper understanding and cooperation.
The visit forms part of the Pope’s six-day Apostolic Journey his first international mission which includes key stops in Türkiye and Lebanon. Anıtkabir, regarded as one of the most important national monuments in Türkiye, honours Atatürk, who led the Turkish National Movement, founded the Republic in 1923, and served as its first president. His legacy of modernization and secularism remains deeply ingrained in the nation’s identity.
The Mausoleum also houses the tomb of İsmet İnönü, Türkiye’s second president and a close ally of Atatürk. His resting place stands across from Atatürk’s tomb, facing the Ceremonial Plaza, symbolizing the continuity of leadership in the early republic.
Anıtkabir is divided into four prominent sections: the Road of Lions lined with sculpted stone sentinels; the expansive Ceremonial Plaza; the Hall of Honour, which contains Atatürk’s sarcophagus; and the surrounding Peace Park, a vast green belt representing the founder’s belief in global peace.
Pope Leo’s visit to this national sanctuary set a tone of respect, interfaith dialogue, and international goodwill as he embarked on his wider mission to promote unity and peace in the region.