Pope Leo XIV’s Flight Lands in Istanbul
The flight carrying Pope Leo XIV, the Head of State of the Vatican and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, landed at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul after departing from Ankara. Following a convoy and extensive security measures, the Pope arrived at the Saint Esprit Cathedral in Harbiye.
Pope Leo XIV’s first stop during his visit to Turkey was Ankara. The aircraft, an Airbus A320 with registration EI-INA, operated by ITA Airways, landed at Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 12:30 PM after departing from Rome at 07:58 AM local time. During his time in Ankara, Pope Leo XIV visited Anıtkabir, laying a wreath at the mausoleum and signing the memorial book.
Afterwards, the Pope was received by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex, where they held discussions on Turkey-Vatican relations and regional developments. Following his visit to Ankara, Pope Leo XIV’s flight landed in Istanbul at 19:15 at Atatürk Airport. He was greeted by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül. After leaving the airport under strict security measures, the Pope proceeded to the Saint Esprit Cathedral in Harbiye.
📃: DHA
