Catholics reflect on Pope Leo\u2019s visit to Istanbul cathedral Pope Leo XIV began the second day of his apostolic journey to Turkey at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, a vital spiritual home for a diverse Catholic community largely made up of immigrants from across the world. The cathedral \u2014 long a customary stop for pontiffs visiting Turkey \u2014 welcomed the Holy Father with profound emotion and vibrant hope. At the entrance, Pope Leo was received by Father Nicola Masedu, a Sardinian priest who has served in Turkey for more than 15 years and lived a life marked by mission across the Middle East. He first moved to Lebanon at the age of seventeen, later to Iran \u2014 where he was briefly arrested \u2014 then to the Holy Land, and finally to Istanbul. In an interview with ACI MENA, CNA\u2019s Arabic-language news partner, Masedu recalled that the first pope he met was Pope Paul VI, whom he greeted at the Beirut airport during a brief stopover on the pontiff\u2019s way to India. He later met St. John Paul II in Castel Gandolfo after being forced to leave Iran, and Pope Benedict XVI in Bethlehem in 2008. Masedu also welcomed Pope Leo holding the same crucifix he once presented to Pope Francis. He explained that the crucifix originally belonged to the Sisters of Charity at the Austrian Hospital, who gifted it to the parish when they were clearing out some of their rooms. \u201cThat crucifix has a history of prayer and protection,\u201d he said, adding a personal memory: \u201cIt was a point of reference for Kamila, our little parrot, who \u2014 whenever she was frightened \u2014 would fly into my office and take refuge near it.\u201d Masedu also shared with ACI MENA the symbolic gift the community prepared for Pope Leo: a silver chalice crafted by an Armenian artist, engraved with the six apostles who brought Christianity to this land. From this deeply symbolic offering, the priest reflected on the ancient Christian roots of Turkey, reflecting on the fact that this land once stood at the heart of the early Church. He emphasized the spirit of ecumenical unity that binds the different Churches together in their effort, as he said, \u201cto remain close to one another.\u201d He spoke candidly about the challenges facing his community, especially immigrants who struggle with financial hardship, residency permits, and at times, discrimination. Still, the parish works tirelessly to accompany them both spiritually and materially, offering education, social support, medical assistance when necessary, as well as retreats and psychological accompaniment. Reflecting on the difference between Christian life in Lebanon and Turkey, Masedu noted that in Lebanon he felt \u201cat home,\u201d surrounded by visible Christian symbols, whereas in Turkey churches remain largely hidden from view, with St. Anthony\u2019s Basilica on \u0130stiklal Street being a notable exception. He concluded by expressing his hope that Pope Leo\u2019s visit will strengthen the Christian community, encouraging them to persevere and continue working for peace. Among the parishioners present this morning was Suhail, a 36-year-old Iranian who arrived in Turkey seven years ago after converting to Christianity. Forced to leave Iran because of his faith, he now works closely with a community of Catholic Iranians who have also sought refuge in Turkey. Suhail confirmed that practicing Christianity in Turkey is \u201cimmeasurably safer\u201d than in Iran, where he was previously arrested. Yet, mindful of the danger facing Christians still in his home country, he chose not to share details about the persecution there, so as not to put anyone at further risk. Instead, he spoke with gratitude about the religious freedom he has found in Istanbul, and about the dignity of being able to live and worship openly: \u201cI can pray, I can attend Mass, and I can grow in my faith. For this, I am thankful,\u201d he said. Suhail has been helping in the cathedral for months in preparation for the papal visit, and he described the opportunity to welcome Pope Leo as \u201ca blessing beyond words.\u201d Also sharing his joy was Philip Tata, originally from Cameroon and now serving as president of the youth group at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Having lived in Gabon before moving to Turkey four years ago, Tata spoke about the remarkable diversity that shapes the parish community. He explained that Mass is celebrated in English, Turkish, and French, reflecting the presence of a large African community, many of whom come from French-speaking countries. Tata recalled how Pope Francis previously met with refugees in this very church, and he believes Pope Leo is continuing on the same pastoral path, placing special emphasis on migrants, displaced people, and those living on the margins. Pope Leo explicitly mentioned refugees and immigrants in his message this morning, a moment that deeply moved the congregation. Reflecting on the Catholic youth in Turkey, he said that many young people hope to leave, not because of religious persecution, but because of the limited economic opportunities and scarcity of jobs, which push them to search for a more stable future elsewhere. Still, he expressed hope that the papal visit might inspire renewed support and encouragement for the younger generation. Lebanese voices singing for the Pope in Istanbul Among the faithful gathered in the cathedral were also Lebanese Catholics who now live in Turkey and will not be in Lebanon when the pope visits their homeland on Sunday. Yet, providentially, they encountered him here, in what has become their second home, and even had the chance to sing for him as part of the choir. Sleiman Saikali, who has lived in Turkey for 30 years is traveling to \u0130znik to sing for the pope during the historic commemoration of the Council of Nicaea. He shared his deep joy at welcoming Pope Leo in a place that symbolizes both his roots and his present life. He said he has been preparing for months, not only by training his voice, but also spiritually through prayer. He spoke passionately about the mission behind this papal journey, insisting that each country carries a distinct vocation. He recalled being present at the visits of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis to Turkey. \u201cBenedict was a man of extraordinary theological depth, and his visit with Patriarch Bartholomew was an unforgettable ecumenical moment. Francis was like a positive revolution, he returned the Church to the poor and the simple, to justice and humility.\u201d Looking to Pope Leo, he expressed profound hope: \u201cIn him I see a blend of Benedict, Francis, and John Paul II. Since John Paul, God has given the Church popes who walk with the signs of the times, and this is God\u2019s work, not ours.\u201d For Christians in Turkey, he said, papal visits are vital. \u201cAs a very small minority, we carry the beauty of keeping the faith, but the danger of isolation is real. We must not isolate ourselves.\u201d Also part of the choir is Lili El-Helou, a Lebanese student who came to Turkey two years ago. She never imagined she would one day sing before the pope, yet today she stood among those performing at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. She will also chant the Kyrie Eleison in the Maronite melody, on Saturday at the Arena. Lili described how her spiritual life has deepened since moving to Istanbul, portraying the parish as active, united, and vibrant, despite the small number of Catholics. She said she feels at peace living her faith in Istanbul. However, she noted that the situation can be \u201cmore difficult\u201d in other cities such as \u0130zmir, where religious sisters sometimes hesitate to appear in their habits due not to legal restrictions, but to reactions, comments, and intrusive stares. A Chaldean presence The atmosphere in the cathedral Friday was lifted by a multilingual choir, whose voices filled the church with hymns in different languages including Syriac, a reminder of the ancient Christian heritage rooted in this land. Among them was Sister Sandra, a Chaldean nun from the Nuns of the Sacred Heart, who described the opportunity to sing in Syriac \u2014 the language spoken by Jesus and preserved by the Eastern Churches \u2014 as \u201ca profound grace and a moment of great beauty.\u201d She asked all believers to pray for Turkey, the pope, and the Christian community in Turkey, expressing hope that the visit will strengthen unity and peace. Follow CNA’s LIVE blog for Pope Leo XIV\u2019s first Apostolic Journey to T\u00fcrkiye (Turkey) and Lebanon. This article was originally published on ACI MENA. It was adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Romy Haber Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Vatican Says Pope Francis Shows \u2018Slight Improvement\u2019 on 11th Day in Hospital Pope Francis: Jesus calls us to set our sights on heaven \u2018Don\u2019t let the algorithm write your story,\u2019 Pope Leo XIV exhorts young people Cardinal Parolin: Pope’s Trip to Marseille Represents an Opportunity to Foster Hope Pope Francis and Brazil\u2019s President Lula embrace during visit Paradisus: Baroque Lightscapes in Sacred Spaces<\/p>\n