Cultural And Diplomatic Ties Strengthened As Türkiye Presents Destinations At Pontifical Lateran University

Published on December 12, 2025

The extensive and profound potential of Türkiye’s faith tourism destinations was formally and strategically presented at a significant international gathering. The event, an influential conference, was successfully convened on December 11, 2025, within the sacred precincts of the Vatican City. Specifically, the prestigious venue utilized for this crucial showcase was the Pontifical Lateran University, an institution often recognized for its direct and integral link to the Holy See. This high-profile platform served not only for the detailed exposition of Türkiye’s leading religious routes but also for the official unveiling of specialized new pilgrimage tour programs scheduled for the year 2026, a move which emphatically underscores the increasing levels of cultural and tourism cooperation currently being fostered between Türkiye and institutions directly linked to the Vatican.

This comprehensive initiative was collaboratively arranged through the joint efforts of L’Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, a highly reputable organization affiliated with the Vatican and dedicated to the meticulous organization of worldwide pilgrimage tours, and the Culture and Promotion Councillorship of the Turkish Embassy, which is centrally located in Rome. The primary focus of the entire gathering was squarely placed upon the deep tapestry of faith tourism routes stretching across the diverse landscape of Türkiye, while simultaneously introducing the eagerly anticipated new tour programs that have been meticulously planned for the forthcoming year. Distinguished religious figures, seasoned diplomats, leading tourism professionals, and specially invited guests were amongst those gathered at the university, where the presentation of Türkiye’s spiritual treasures was undertaken.

Recognition of Türkiye’s Regional Importance

The proceedings of the program were inaugurated by a speech delivered by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, who serves as the Pope’s General Vicar. The Cardinal’s remarks underscored the depth of his appreciation for the country’s inherent natural beauty and its vast cultural richness, attributes that had been personally observed during his previous visits to Türkiye. Reference was made not only to the recent journey undertaken by the Pope but also to his own earlier trips, through which the strategic geopolitical role held by Türkiye in the region had been thoroughly understood and appreciated.

The importance of this position was firmly underlined, and it was articulated that within such a sensitive and unique global context, the ability to signal peace in conjunction with Türkiye would be viewed as something profoundly significant and beautiful. The ongoing and burgeoning cooperation established with the Turkish Embassy in Rome and its Culture and Promotion Councillorship was warmly welcomed by Cardinal Reina, with hope being expressed that further joint cultural promotion activities would be successfully organized in the future. This diplomatic alignment clearly demonstrates how cultural and spiritual exchange is actively being leveraged to build stronger international understanding and promote regional stability.

The Diplomatic Context and Hospitality

The representative of the Turkish delegation, Culture and Promotion Counsellor Zeynep Selvi, also delivered a key address, focusing on the recent, highly successful foreign visit conducted by the Vatican Head of State, Pope Leo XIV. This landmark trip, which had taken place in November and included an official visit to Türkiye, was characterized as an unqualified success. It was asserted that both the Papal visit and the specialized Vatican Conference served to firmly reinforce and validate Türkiye’s long-held international image as a nation renowned for its hospitality and unwavering openness to productive cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. These high-level interactions are consistently regarded as crucial mechanisms for fostering mutual respect and enhancing the country’s soft power on the international stage.

Detailed Focus on Ancient Routes and Sites

A critical part of the day’s agenda involved comprehensive presentations designed to provide rich, visual, and informational insight into the wealth of faith tourism sites available across Türkiye. Visual content was provided through specially commissioned footage that had been filmed within Türkiye by the renowned Italian journalist Cristoforo Gorno, produced for Italy’s public broadcaster, RAI. This footage provided an accessible and compelling glimpse into several of the nation’s most historically significant faith-related locations.

Following this visual engagement, detailed route information regarding the newly structured, Türkiye-focused pilgrimage tours was furnished by Carmen Salvemini, a dedicated tour coordinator from L’Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi. These upcoming tour itineraries are designed to encompass a breathtaking range of ancient sites and spiritual destinations, thereby catering to the specific needs of faith tourism travelers. The routes notably include the ethereal landscapes of Cappadocia with its cave churches; the white thermal terraces of Pamukkale, proximate to the significant biblical cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea; and the historical city of Iznik, which is recognized globally as the site of the First and Second Ecumenical Councils, formerly known as Nicaea.

Expanding the Context of Türkiye’s Spiritual Landscape

The geographical spread of the sites presented, encompassing major centers of early Christian history, Sufi traditions, and Abrahamic heritage, was purposefully used to illustrate the nation’s unique and multi-layered spiritual importance. The inclusion of regions beyond the immediately recognizable western sites, such as those in the Black Sea and the Southeast, serves to broaden the perception of Türkiye as a comprehensive faith tourism destination, capable of offering diverse and meaningful pilgrimage experiences.