Pope Leo XIV Embarks on First Overseas Trip to Turkey and Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV commenced his first international journey as pontiff, arriving in Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday. The six-day trip, which includes a subsequent visit to Lebanon, aims to emphasize themes of unity and peace.

During the flight from Rome, Pope Leo addressed the journalists accompanying him, expressing gratitude for their work and highlighting the importance of truthful communication. He also extended Thanksgiving wishes to Americans on board, acknowledging the significance of the holiday.

In Turkey, the Pope is scheduled to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and lay a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. He will also visit the Diyanet, Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs, and meet with the country's chief rabbi. A significant highlight of the visit is the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in İznik, where he will join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, to celebrate this milestone in Christian history.

Following his engagements in Turkey, Pope Leo will travel to Lebanon, a nation with a significant Christian population. His visit comes shortly after recent Israeli military actions in Beirut, underscoring the region's ongoing tensions. The Pope's itinerary includes meetings with Lebanese political and religious leaders, aiming to promote dialogue and reconciliation amid the country's challenges.

This journey marks a continuation of the Vatican's efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and address regional conflicts, reflecting Pope Leo's commitment to peace and unity across diverse communities.