Bishop Paolo Bizzeti discusses Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming Türkiye trip, highlighting ecumenical revival, interreligious dialogue through service, and challenges for Christians in a diverse religious landscape.
Newsroom (11/11/2025 Gaudium Press ) In a candid interview with Vatican News, Bishop Paolo Bizzeti, the former Apostolic Vicar of Anatolia and recent president of Caritas Türkiye, reflects on the profound implications of Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural apostolic journey to Türkiye from November 27 to 30, 2025. The visit, encompassing Ankara, Istanbul, and İznik (ancient Nicaea), coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, offering a pivotal moment to reinvigorate the spirit of unity and dialogue that defined Vatican II.
Bizzeti, who served as Latin Apostolic Vicar from 2015 to 2024 and led Caritas Türkiye from 2019 until early November 2025, draws from his deep-rooted experience in the region. He emphasizes Türkiye’s role as a “laboratory” for Christian life in a predominantly Muslim nation, where interfaith collaboration—exemplified by post-earthquake relief efforts—has dismantled barriers and fostered genuine “dialogue of life.”
The bishop’s insights underscore the visit’s potential to bolster the small Christian minority, advance ecumenism, and highlight the enduring vitality of faith in a country that birthed key elements of Christianity. Below is the full interview, conducted ahead of the Pope’s trip.
Vatican News: From November 27 to 30, Pope Leo XIV will embark on his first apostolic journey to Türkiye, a nation where Christians represent a small minority. In your view, what does this visit mean for the local Christian communities?
Bishop Paolo Bizzeti: The essence of papal journeys lies in personally visiting the flock to embody the closeness of the Good Shepherd. Türkiye holds immense historical and contemporary significance—not merely for its past, as Christianity as we understand it originated in Antioch on the Orontes River in modern-day Türkiye—but for the dynamic Christian presence today. This country serves as a vital laboratory for faith, demanding that even the Latin Church engage actively yet humbly. The Pope’s presence will reaffirm solidarity, inspiring resilience among believers who navigate daily challenges in a diverse society.
Q: The itinerary includes commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. How does this tie into broader themes?
A: This visit presents a profound ecumenical opportunity. The Nicaea anniversary can rekindle the innovative spirit of the Council Fathers, who articulated faith in fresh terms and pursued unity amid diversity. Echoing Pope Saint John XXIII’s call during Vatican II, it urges us to focus on what unites rather than divides. In an era of global fragmentation, this is a perennial task we must recommence with vigor, fostering dialogue across Christian denominations and beyond.
Q: What religious landscape will Pope Leo XIV encounter in Türkiye?
A: Türkiye is a vibrant mosaic of beliefs and practices. It encompasses political Islam, deeply rooted traditional religious Islam, the introspective mystical Sufi traditions, the syncretic Alevi movement, widespread agnosticism, and forms of deism among many citizens. Amid this, Christian minorities—including Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants—persist, though Catholic pastoral activities face stringent restrictions. Laws and societal norms, stemming from the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, hinder the construction of new chapels, youth centers, or cultural facilities. Consequently, ministry is confined to a handful of historic parishes established a century ago, requiring creativity and perseverance to sustain community life.
Q: The devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake on February 6, 2023, along the Syria-Türkiye border claimed over 50,000 lives by official counts, with many believing the true toll was higher. Caritas Türkiye mounted a robust response despite immense obstacles. Can you describe that experience?
A: The catastrophe’s scale was staggering, displacing hundreds of thousands and exposing profound human vulnerability, with lingering impacts on impoverished areas. For Caritas Türkiye, it was a crucible that accelerated our growth, albeit with inevitable challenges and errors. We took immense pride in our contributions: partnering with local and national aid groups, delivering selfless assistance without regard to creed or background. This led to unprecedented recognition, including an official summons and thanks from Ankara authorities—a first for our organization. Leveraging generous global donations, we demonstrated Catholicism’s commitment to humanitarian service, amplifying our role in a nation where such visibility is rare.
Q: How has Caritas Türkiye’s impartial aid to both Muslims and Christians influenced interreligious relations?
A: In the earthquake’s aftermath, our collaborative efforts shattered longstanding divisions. Side by side with diverse partners, we embodied what Pope Francis has termed the “dialogue of life”—the most authentic form of interreligious engagement, rooted in shared service to the marginalized and poor. This hands-on solidarity not only provided immediate relief but also built lasting bridges, proving that compassion transcends doctrinal differences and fosters mutual respect in everyday interactions.
Q: What impact do you anticipate Pope Leo XIV’s visit will have on Caritas Türkiye’s staff and volunteers?
A: For everyone involved in Caritas, this apostolic journey will be an inspiring affirmation of belonging to the broader People of God. It reinforces our unity in service and compassion for the vulnerable, mirroring Jesus’ example as the servant of all. In a time when humanitarian work faces global scrutiny, the Pope’s presence will energize our teams, reminding them of the timeless Christian mandate to care for the least among us, regardless of faith or circumstance.
As Pope Leo XIV prepares for this landmark trip, Bizzeti’s words highlight its potential to not only honor historical milestones but also to propel forward-looking interfaith and ecumenical initiatives in a region rich with spiritual heritage. The visit extends beyond Türkiye, with the Pope’s schedule also including Lebanon, symbolizing a broader commitment to peace and dialogue in the Middle East.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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