The first representation between Türkiye and the Catholic Church which could be qualified as official was established during the reign of Mehmet the Conqueror and the Papacy was given the right to appoint a permanent representative in Istanbul. Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the Holy See were established in 1960.

Türkiye’s relations with the Holy See are “state to state” and have a stable course. Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Türkiye in 2006 was a significant development both due to the fact that it was the first state visit between Türkiye and the Holy See and the messages conveyed by the Pope. During this visit, the Pope expressed that Türkiye could become a full member of the European Union provided that she fulfils the Copenhagen criteria.

In 2010, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the Holy See, many cultural activities such as exhibitions, panels, conferences and a whirling dervishes ceremony were organized.