Pope Leo XIV began his first foreign trip as head of the Catholic Church, visiting two Muslim-majority countries, Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace in the conflict-ravaged Middle East and to call for unity among the long-divided Christian churches.
For Pope Leo XIV, this visit may lend additional weight to his appeals for harmony and dialogue in the Middle East, echoing his first words after the election: “Peace be with you all.”
The Pope himself said before the trip that he hopes this particular journey to Turkey and Lebanon will above all carry a message of unity, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who accompanies the Pope on this apostolic journey, emphasized the importance of the trip for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and also described the Pope’s visit as a sign of hope and peace.
In both countries, Catholic and other local communities from war-torn areas eagerly await the Pope. The Pope and his accompanying delegation hope that this trip, intended to celebrate the major anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, will bear much fruit in the future and pave the way for Christian unity.
The Pope’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon will take place from 27.11-2.12.2025
More detailed coverage of the Holy Father’s first foreign visit: www.vaticannews.va