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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, embarks on his inaugural foreign journey to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. This visit underscores the Vatican’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties with Orthodox Christians and Muslims, two of the Catholic Church’s key priorities. The trip also provides a global platform for the Pope to advocate for peace in the Middle East, a region marred by prolonged conflict. Notably, Pope Leo will deliver his messages in English and French, diverging from the Vatican’s traditional use of Italian, to ensure broader global understanding. Security measures are heightened following recent tensions, including an Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeting Hezbollah just days before the Pope’s arrival. The journey fulfills the unfulfilled plans of his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose health had prevented him from visiting these nations. Turkey, a frequent papal destination, holds historical significance as the home of the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church. Lebanon, known for its religious tolerance, remains a bastion for Christians in the region despite years of turmoil. Pope Leo’s itinerary includes commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey, praying at the site of the 325 AD gathering, and signing a joint declaration with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to symbolize Christian unity. In Lebanon, the Pope will preside over interfaith meetings, visit the site of the devastating 2020 Beirut port blast, and engage with young Lebanese, offering encouragement amidst the country’s ongoing challenges. The trip highlights the Vatican’s unwavering support for Palestinians and its dedication to promoting peace and dialogue in a fractured region.

Pope Leo XIV embarks on his inaugural foreign journey to Turkey, fulfilling the late Pope Francis’ vision to commemorate a significant Orthodox milestone and promote peace in a region grappling with the Ukraine war and Middle East tensions. The pontiff’s itinerary begins in Ankara, where he will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and address the diplomatic corps, followed by a three-day ecumenical and interfaith engagement in Istanbul before proceeding to Lebanon. Turkey, a predominantly Sunni Muslim nation of over 85 million, has positioned itself as a pivotal mediator in peace negotiations for Ukraine and Gaza, hosting talks between Russia and Ukraine and proposing a stabilization force in Gaza. Pope Leo’s visit coincides with these efforts, and his arrival speech is expected to acknowledge Turkey’s role. Despite Turkey’s growing military influence as NATO’s second-largest army, domestic challenges such as a cost-of-living crisis have overshadowed international politics for many citizens. While the visit has garnered limited attention among Turks outside the Christian community, some view it as a potential U.S.-driven initiative, possibly linked to reopening the Greek Orthodox seminary in Turkey. The primary purpose of Leo’s trip is to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianity’s first ecumenical council. He will pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the historic site in Iznik and sign a joint declaration symbolizing Christian unity. The visit also aims to strengthen Catholic-Muslim relations, with Leo scheduled to visit Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and lead an interfaith meeting. Imam Asgın Tunca emphasized the visit’s potential to foster mutual understanding and dispel misconceptions about Islam. While Turkey has made strides in religious freedoms under Erdogan’s government, challenges persist for Christian groups, including the Catholic Church, which lacks formal legal recognition. Rev. Paolo Pugliese highlighted the Church’s international profile and the pope’s support as crucial assets. A delicate moment awaits Leo during his visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, given the historical tensions over the Armenian genocide. Unlike Pope Francis, who labeled the event as genocide in 2015, Leo is expected to tread cautiously to avoid diplomatic fallout. The Vatican also faces scrutiny over its relations with Armenia amid its outreach to Azerbaijan.

Pope Leo XIV has commenced his inaugural international journey as pontiff, marking a significant milestone in his papacy. Over the next six days, he will visit Turkey and Lebanon, two nations with deep historical and religious significance. The trip, originally planned by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, carries the overarching theme of ‘building bridges,’ a mission Pope Leo has embraced since his election in May. His measured and cautious approach in the first six months of his papacy will now face the test of diplomacy as he navigates complex geopolitical landscapes. The journey begins in Turkey, where Pope Leo will join leaders of various Christian traditions in Iznik, the ancient city of Nicaea, to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. This historic gathering in 325 AD affirmed the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, laying the foundation for the Nicene Creed. The visit will also include a stop at Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, continuing the interfaith dialogue initiated by his predecessors, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI. From Turkey, Pope Leo will travel to Lebanon, a nation still reeling from recent Israeli airstrikes on its capital, Beirut. Despite the turmoil, the Vatican has confirmed that the visit will proceed as planned. In Lebanon, the Pope will meet with faith leaders and engage with the youth, offering support to the country’s Christian community, which constitutes approximately one-third of the population. The trip will culminate with a Mass at the Beirut waterfront, the site of the devastating 2020 port explosion, where he will pray for the victims and their families. Throughout his papacy, Pope Leo has struck a delicate balance between progressive ideals and traditionalist values, earning support from diverse factions within the Catholic Church. His diplomatic finesse will be put to the test as he addresses regional conflicts and fosters unity. Notably, the Pope will deliver public addresses in English during his time in Turkey and incorporate French in Lebanon, reflecting his multilingual fluency and commitment to global outreach. The trip concludes with a customary press conference on the return flight to Rome, where Pope Leo will share his reflections on this historic journey.