First Lady of Türkiye met with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

On 2 July 2025, the First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan, met with the spiritual leader of the Catholic world and head of state of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV. Mrs Erdogan’s visit to the Vatican was on the occasion of her participation in the programme ‘Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism’ organised by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the potential for climate cooperation between Türkiye and the Vatican. The First Lady told Pope Leo XIV about her environmental initiative, the Zero Waste Movement, launched in 2017, which has already gained international status with the support of the UN. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was also among the topics discussed.

During her visit, Mrs Erdoğan delivered a speech at the session, calling for a review of the global order based on justice, responsibility and respect for cultural diversity. She emphasised the crisis levels of global inequality, the consequences of climate indifference, the disappearance of languages and cultures, and the need to rethink the idea of global citizenship. 

‘It doesn’t seem possible for us to build a fair world on the existing mindset or on an order that leaves the humanity stranded whenever it is put into practice. We, thus, need new solutions that would get the family of humanity back on its feet,’ said the First Lady.

Mrs Erdoğan emphasised that the Zero Waste Movement is not only about the environment, but also about intergenerational justice, spiritual responsibility and the culture of coexistence: ‘If we manage to combine the technic with divine teachings, we can then achieve a major success for the history of humanity.’

Meetings of this level between spiritual leaders and First Ladies and Gentlemen are of particular importance. They reinforce the symbolic and practical role of the institution of First Ladies and Gentlemen in addressing global issues, from climate to humanitarian crises. Such events not only draw attention to important topics, but also contribute to strengthening international trust and developing new formats of solidarity.