Turkish Orthodox Community's reaction resurfaces ahead of Pope's visit to Turkey
Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Turkey tomorrow. Leo, who was elected Pope six months ago, will visit Ankara first, followed by Istanbul and Iznik, during his first trip abroad. Ahead of this visit, a past post by the Turkish Orthodox Community has resurfaced.
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The visit, organized on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, will be the Pope's first trip abroad.
According to a statement made by the Vatican on October 7, it was confirmed that the Pope would be in Turkey between November 27 and 30. While criticisms that this visit carries a political message have been consistently voiced, the Turkish Orthodox Community's reaction post dated November 9 has resurfaced.
The following warning was issued from the community's social media account after the visit dates were announced:
Great Turkish nation!
The Pope's visit is not a religious visit, but a political one. As Turkish Orthodox Christians, we warn you. The ambitions of foreigners are not in Turkey's interest!
Neither the Ottoman Sultans nor Atatürk permitted these visits. They cannot be permitted today either. Their goals are clear. The Turkish nation must be vigilant.