Statement by the President of the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Turkey following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Strong in the hope of Easter, we unite ourselves to the profound sorrow of the universal Church, which mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

His long-desired visit to Turkey on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea will no longer be possible, but he will accompany us from the Eternal dwelling of the Father.

Pope Francis led the Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until April 21, 2025. He was a prophet in the difficult times of the world and the Church, carrying forward the teaching of the Gospel in solidarity with the poor and in hope for the Church.

As a witness of mercy and compassion, he marked the life of the Church with his profoundly evangelical attitude, seeking to open the hearts of the faithful to respond to the challenges of the world with faithfulness to Christ. With courage, he undertook the synodal renewal for the deep communion of all the faithful, constantly reminding us of the Gospel values, solidarity with the poor, mission, social justice, and dialogue with the world.

He was a messenger of peace for all humanity, fighting against the tragedy of war and violence. Pope Francis made numerous appeals for peace (especially in Ukraine, Syria, the Holy Land, and Africa), for the welcome of migrants, and for the protection of the environment. He was also involved in promoting ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, such as his historic trip to Iraq (2021) and his meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

Our Christian community remembers with gratitude his Apostolic Journey to our country between November 28 and 30, 2014. Just last year, in February, he received the bishops of Turkey during their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, demonstrating the universal pastor’s care for the small Catholic communities and minorities.
We are all indebted to him for his fatherly love; therefore, his memory unites us, along with the duty to pray for his eternal rest.

Live forever in Christ, Holy Father!

+ Martin KMETEC, OFMConv
Metropolitan Archbishop of Izmir
President of the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Turkey