Immigrants, converts, and students reflect on Pope Leo’s visit to Istanbul cathedral

ACI MENA, Nov 28, 2025 /
10:05 am

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 — long a customary stop for pontiffs visiting Turkey — 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 — where he was briefly arrested — then to the Holy Land, and finally to Istanbul. 

In an interview with ACI MENA, CNA’s 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’s 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. “That crucifix has a history of prayer and protection,” he said, adding a personal memory: “It was a point of reference for Kamila, our little parrot, who — whenever she was frightened — would fly into my office and take refuge near it.”

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, “to remain close to one another.”

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 “at home,” surrounded by visible Christian symbols, whereas in Turkey churches remain largely hidden from view, with St. Anthony’s Basilica on İstiklal Street being a notable exception. He concluded by expressing his hope that Pope Leo’s visit will strengthen the Christian community, encouraging them to persevere and continue working for peace.

Exiled for his faith

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 “immeasurably safer” 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: “I can pray, I can attend Mass, and I can grow in my faith. For this, I am thankful,” 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 “a blessing beyond words.”

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An African voice

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 İznik 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. “Benedict 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.”

Looking to Pope Leo, he expressed profound hope: “In 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’s work, not ours.” For Christians in Turkey, he said, papal visits are vital. “As a very small minority, we carry the beauty of keeping the faith, but the danger of isolation is real. We must not isolate ourselves.”

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 “more difficult” in other cities such as İzmir, 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 — the language spoken by Jesus and preserved by the Eastern Churches —  as “a profound grace and a moment of great beauty.” 

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.

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