Pope Leo XIV plans first foreign visits to Türkiye, Lebanon in November

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, will make his inaugural foreign trip as head of the Catholic Church to Türkiye and Lebanon from late November to early December 2025. His visit to Türkiye includes a pilgrimage to Iznik, historically Nicaea, to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a significant event that shaped key Christian doctrines and fostered Catholic-Orthodox relations. This trip fulfills plans originally made by his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasizes interfaith dialogue and peace in the Middle East amid ongoing regional conflicts. In Lebanon, Pope Leo will address the plight of Christians and commemorate events like the 2020 Beirut port explosion, highlighting the country's unique Christian presence in the Arab world. The journey symbolizes the Vatican's commitment to fostering understanding among different faiths and continuing diplomatic engagement with these historically and religiously significant nations. Pope Leo’s visit also includes meetings with Orthodox leaders and national authorities, underscoring efforts toward mutual respect and peace.