ISTANBUL In a letter congratulating new Pope Leo XIV on Friday, Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope for joint efforts to end humanitarian tragedies, especially in Gaza. According to a statement on the Presidency’s X account, Erdogan said: “On the occasion of your election to the Papacy, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on behalf of my nation and myself.” Erdogan stated that the late Pope Francis, a distinguished statesman, earned the admiration of the entire