President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the ceremony in the Vatican. 59 years later, during the first visit to the Vatican at the presidential level, Pope Franciscus and President Erdogan presented gifts to each other. While Erdogan presented the Pope with a miniature Iznik tribe depicting the old Istanbul, Papa Franciscus presented the medal to President Erdogan, symbolizing peace. This visit to the Pope was passed as "the second step at the level of state presidency."
Met by the Archbishop
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the ceremony at the Vatican where he came to be in official contact. Erdogan's visit is the first visit to the Vatican at the presidential level after 59 years. A ceremony was held for Erdogan in front of Apostol Palace, where Catholics came to meet with spirit leader Pope Franciscus. President Erdogan was greeted by Archbishop GeorgGanswein, Governor of the Papal Residence in San Damaso Gate. After the welcoming ceremony, President Erdoğan passed away at the beginning of the meeting with Papa Franciscus. At the ceremony, the Swiss guards were in charge of protecting the Vatican and the Pope.
The first to go was Celal Bayar
President Celal Bayar in the Vatican in 1959 Pope XXIII. Following his meeting with Jean, diplomatic relations were established on 11 April 1960. This visit of Celal Bayar was the first step taken by the Vatican at the level of president at the time of the Republic. The Embassy of Vatican was active in 1962. VI popes in turn came to Turkey in 1967. Paul, Pope II in 1979. Jean Paul, in 2006, XVI. Benedict and Pope Franciscus on 28-30th of November 2014.
PAPA PRESENTED TO ERDOGAN A MEDAL ON PEACE
President Erdogan, Catholic spiritual leader Papa Franciscus interviewed for an hour. Pope Franciscus and President Erdogan presented gifts to each other. Erdogan gave the Pope the Italian and English prints of the Mesnevi and the miniature Iznik tribe who depicted the old Istanbul in 24 pieces. The pope also presented President Erdogan with a medallion symbolizing peace.