The Pope has made a statement on World War III

During his first public appearance in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV warned the world against the dangerous threshold of global confrontation. This is reported by Ukrinform.

The Pontiff spoke at the National Library in Ankara after a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He stressed that despite the lessons of two world wars and the creation of international institutions, the modern world is again facing the growth of conflicts fuelled by economic and military confrontation.

We are living in a period when conflicts on the planet are only increasing. This creates the conditions for the slow but sure emergence of a new world war. We must do everything to prevent this from happening," the Pope said.

He also called for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples and religions, and for societies to be built on the principles of solidarity, humanity and support for vulnerable groups, rather than on the pursuit of profit.

Leo XIV highlighted Turkey's historical role in bridging East and West and emphasised the country's deep Christian roots. In response, Erdogan assured that Turkey respects all religious traditions and will continue mediation initiatives to end wars, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while supporting Ukrainian refugees, especially children.