Nationalist leader Bahceli slams pope's visit to Türkiye as hidden propaganda of Christianity

The controversy surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye continues to grow. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli sharply criticized the trip, calling it “hidden propaganda of Christianity.” Bahceli argued that the visit serves as a covert promotion of Christian values under the guise of diplomacy and interfaith dialogue.

Bahceli’s remarks align with a broader pattern of nationalist rhetoric in Türkiye that frames foreign religious outreach as interference in national affairs. He emphasized concerns about cultural and political influence, warning that such visits could undermine Türkiye’s secular traditions and sovereignty.

The Pope’s visit has sparked a mix of reactions across Turkish society, with supporters praising interreligious engagement and critics fearing that it could be exploited for political ends. Proponents argue that dialogue fosters mutual understanding, while opponents worry about the potential for religious and political agendas to intertwine.

In summary, Bahceli characterized the Pope’s Turkish visit as covert Christian propaganda, reflecting ongoing tensions between nationalist perspectives and efforts at international religious dialogue.

Author’s note: This summary reflects the stated positions and reactions surrounding the visit without introducing new claims beyond the cited statements and widely reported debates on the topic.

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Türkiye Today Türkiye Today — 2025-12-05

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