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

Pope Leo XIV will undertake his inaugural foreign trip as pontiff, visiting Turkey from November 27 to 30, followed by Lebanon from November 30 to December 2. This journey aims to promote Christian unity and address regional challenges.

In Turkey, the Pope will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in İznik, a significant event in Christian history. He is scheduled to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to discuss Catholic-Orthodox relations. The visit also includes engagements with Turkish officials and religious leaders.

In Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV plans to support the Christian community and engage with leaders of various faiths. He will visit the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which resulted in over 200 fatalities, to offer prayers and express solidarity with the victims. Additionally, he will meet with young people and hold an interfaith gathering in Beirut.

Security measures are in place for the trip, especially in light of recent regional tensions. Vatican officials have expressed confidence in the safety protocols established for the visit.

This trip underscores Pope Leo XIV's commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and addressing pressing issues in the Middle East.