Pope Leo XIV will commence his first international journey this Thursday, embarking on a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon. The trip aims to promote Christian unity and advocate for peace amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Elected in May, the US-born pontiff faces his first major international engagement, showcasing a quieter, understated style that contrasts with the charismatic approach of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Visit to Turkey
The Pope’s visit to Turkey, a historic crossroads between East and West, is primarily focused on fostering dialogue with Islam. He is scheduled to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday and will visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul on Saturday.
A central highlight of the Turkey segment is the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which established the foundational Creed of the Christian faith in 325 A.D., before the major schisms in Christianity. Invited by Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual head of Orthodox Christianity, Pope Leo will join dignitaries from various Orthodox churches for a unifying prayer on the shores of Lake Iznik (modern-day Nicaea) on Friday.
While Catholics recognize the Pope as the supreme authority of the Church, Orthodox Christians maintain independent churches with their own heads. Tensions persist due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has strained relations between the Moscow and Constantinople patriarchates. Russian Patriarch Kirill will be notably absent, and the Pope is expected to navigate the visit carefully to avoid aggravating Moscow.
Visit to Lebanon
Though the Pope’s trip has attracted limited attention in predominantly Muslim Turkey, it is highly anticipated in Lebanon, a country long known for religious coexistence. Lebanon has faced multiple crises since 2019, including an economic collapse, widespread poverty, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and recent conflict with Israel.
Vincent Gelot, director of l’Oeuvre d’Orient, said the Lebanese people are “tired” and hope for “frank words to their leaders, as well as strong, concrete actions.” Lebanon’s ambassador to the Holy See described the visit as “exceptional,” expressing hope that it will shed light on the nation’s challenges and support a “political and economic breakthrough.”
While the visit cannot resolve all issues, it provides an opportunity to highlight the critical role of religious organizations in sustaining healthcare and education. Key events in Lebanon include meetings with youth, an open-air mass expected to draw 100,000 attendees, and a prayer at the Beirut port explosion site. The Pope will also participate in an interreligious gathering in downtown Beirut, reaffirming Lebanon’s role as a model of coexistence between East and West.
