Erdogan discusses Olympic Opening Ceremony and Middle East conflict with Pope Francis
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation with Pope Francis to express his views on the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. He criticised the event, stating that under the guise of freedom of expression and tolerance, religious and moral values were mocked, offending both Christians and Muslims.
President Erdogan also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East in his discussion with the Pontiff. He emphasised that the Israeli attacks on Gaza have escalated to genocide, facilitated by the tolerance of certain countries.
According to a statement from the Communication Directorate of the Turkish Presidency: “During the conversation, President Erdogan highlighted that the immoral events during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris caused widespread anger and reactions. He stated that under the pretext of freedom of expression and tolerance, human dignity was trampled upon, and religious and moral values were mocked, offending both Muslims and the Christian world. President Erdogan underscored the need for a unified response to these issues. He also expressed concern that the Olympic Games, meant to unite people, have instead questioned religious values and propagated distorted messages, indicating a moral decline.”
Regarding the situation in Gaza and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Erdogan conveyed to Pope Francis that “the Israeli attacks on Gaza have turned into genocide, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis, and that Israel is conducting its massacres under the diplomatic, economic, and military support of certain states.” He further stated that the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and the attack on Lebanon demonstrate that Israel poses a threat to the entire region, the world, and humanity. Erdogan called for immediate global action to secure peace for Muslims and Christians in Palestine.
The statement also noted that “President Erdogan believes that Pope Francis’ engagements with countries supporting Israel to halt the attacks and secure lasting peace will be beneficial, preventing permanent damage to the political, security, and social structures of the region and the world.”
In a recent speech to party officials, President Erdogan expressed strong criticism of the LGBTQI community in relation to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. He mentioned that he declined an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the ceremony after his 13-year-old granddaughter warned him about an LGBTQI event in the program. Erdogan condemned the ceremony, stating, “What is being sought in Paris is a plan to degrade humanity below animals,” and claimed that “the LGBTQI lobby is holding the West hostage.” He also remarked that “the infamous scene in Paris offended not only the Catholic and Christian worlds but also us.”
President Erdogan had announced his intention to discuss these issues with Pope Francis.
Source: ANA-MPA
