The Spiritual Leader of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIV, honored the Grand Gathering held at Volkswagen Arena on Saturday, as part of his visit to Türkiye, together with Patriarch Bartholomeos.

Approximately 4,000 guests attended the ceremony, where Dr. Akkan Suver, Lale Aytanç Nalbant, and Ferit Sağ were present on behalf of the Marmara Group Foundation.

Dr. Akkan Suver followed the ceremony with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas, while Lale Aytanç Nalbant accompanied French Ambassador to Ankara Isabelle Dumont.

On Sunday, Dr. Akkan Suver also attended the Religious Service organized by Patriarch Bartholomeos on the occasion of St. Andrew’s Day, together with Romanian Member of Parliament Ionut Vulpescu and Bulgarian Member of Parliament Slavi Biniev.

At the Grand Ceremony, which was also attended by Pope Leo XIV, foreign mission chiefs based in Istanbul and a large Orthodox community were present.

At the end of the religious ceremony, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his appreciation for the Pope’s presence and conveyed his gratitude in his speech.

Pope Leo XIV addressed Patriarch Bartholomeos, expressing his gratitude for their unity and extending his heartfelt thanks.