Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Turkey at the start of his first foreign trip as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, where he will commemorate a historic Christian anniversary before heading to Lebanon. Upon arriving in Ankara, the Pope articulated a message of unity, stating that all men, women can truly be brothers and sisters, in spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs.
This journey includes visits to both Turkey and Lebanon, which were initially planned by the late Pope Francis. Pope Leo has embraced the overarching theme of building bridges from the moment he was elected in May.
The trip's highlight will be in the town of Iznik, where Pope Leo and leaders of various Christian traditions will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a seminal moment in Christendom that established essential doctrines such as the Nicene Creed. Despite the historical schism between Eastern and Western Christianity, this gathering aims to promote togetherness and healing.
During his stay in Turkey, the Pope will also visit the Blue Mosque, following the precedent set by his predecessors, reinforcing his commitment to inter-religious dialogue.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope's plans for Lebanon remain unchanged following recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. While in Lebanon, he will engage with faith leaders and the youth, revitalizing hopes for the sizable Christian community in the region. On the final day of his trip, he is scheduled to celebrate Mass on the Beirut waterfront, paying tribute to victims of the 2020 port explosion.
Pope Leo's methodical and diplomatic approach will be scrutinized throughout this trip, as he navigates delicate political landscapes while addressing pressing global issues such as migration and conflict. His ability to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences will be crucial in shaping his papacy, especially since he plans to speak in English during his time in Turkey and incorporate French in Lebanon.
