Pope Leo XIV arrived in Istanbul on Thursday evening as he continued his first foreign trip in Turkey.

The pope is on his first foreign trip to Turkey and Lebanon, marking a significant Christian anniversary and promoting peace amid global tensions.

In Ankara, he met with President Erdogan and highlighted Turkey's role as a bridge between East and West.

The trip commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a key event in Christian history.

Leo praised Turkey's diversity and its Christian minority's contributions to unity.

He also visited Ataturk's mausoleum, resonating with Turkey's secular history.

The pope's visit aims to foster dialogue and unity across cultures and religions.

AP video shot by: Nick Dumitrache