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Pro-Palestinian protests occurred across Turkey and Europe on the second anniversary of Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel. Demonstrators condemned the Gaza conflict, called for Palestinian solidarity, and highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with large gatherings in Istanbul, Ankara, and Amsterdam amid regional tensions.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing struggles for religious minorities in Turkey, including restrictions on church building, limited political representation, and threats of violence. Despite some reforms, tensions persist amid rising nationalism and controversial decisions like Hagia Sophia's reconversion. The Pope's upcoming visit underscores these issues.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon and Turkey on Nov 27 for his first trip as pope, focusing on peace, Christian unity, and interfaith dialogue amid regional tensions. He visited key religious sites, called for political unity, and emphasized Lebanon's role as a model of coexistence, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
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On November 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pontiff, visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque, removing his shoes as a sign of respect but choosing not to pray visibly. He toured the mosque with Muslim leaders, engaging in light conversation, and broke from predecessors by skipping the Hagia Sophia. His visit marks the start of his first overseas trip, which includes Lebanon.