Edith Hejberg
Leo’s stop in Istanbul underscores ongoing efforts to heal the rift between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
Pope Leo XIV has kicked off his first overseas visit since becoming pontiff, with a six-day trip to Turkey and Lebanon.
The journey comes at a volatile time for the region, especially in Lebanon, which has seen renewed violence in recent weeks.
The pope is expected to emphasize key messages of his papacy, dialogue, unity and peace, against a backdrop of religious complexity and political tension.
First American pope visits during Thanksgiving week
Marking his first international journey, Pope Leo, also the first American to hold the papacy, begins this trip during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
His presence in two Muslim-majority nations that house ancient Christian communities echoes the values of gratitude, togetherness and reconciliation, themes deeply resonant with Thanksgiving.
A symbolic choice: Turkey and Lebanon
The visit fulfills commitments made by Pope Francis to visit both countries, trips that were delayed due to health concerns.
Turkey, a key center of Orthodox Christianity, and Lebanon, home to a diverse religious population including 12 Christian communities, present Pope Leo with an opportunity to promote interfaith harmony and Christian unity.
Honoring 1,700 years since Nicaea
One highlight of Leo’s itinerary is the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, held in present-day Iznik, Turkey.
This historic council led to the Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The pope will join Patriarch Bartholomew and other church leaders at an event promoting reconciliation among Christian denominations.
Bridging Christianity’s east-west divide
Leo’s stop in Istanbul underscores ongoing efforts to heal the rift between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
With plans to sign a joint declaration with Patriarch Bartholomew and take part in the Orthodox feast of Saint Andrew, Leo continues the path of ecumenical dialogue begun by previous popes.
First mosque visit and mass in Istanbul
During his stay in Turkey, Leo will visit the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, marking his first mosque visit as pope.
He will also lead Mass at the city’s Volkswagen Arena, where 4,000 people are expected to attend. Additionally, he will visit the Diyanet religious authority and meet Turkey’s Chief Rabbi, emphasizing interreligious outreach.
A message of healing in Lebanon
On Sunday, the pope arrives in Lebanon, where he will meet with political and religious leaders and celebrate Mass on the Beirut waterfront.
A key moment of the visit will be a silent prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, a gesture of solidarity in a country still reeling from tragedy and instability.
Strengthening ties with Lebanon’s Christian communities
Leo will hold private meetings with leaders of Lebanon’s 12 Christian denominations, including the Maronites, an eastern church in communion with Rome.
He will also engage with Muslim and Druze leaders, reinforcing Lebanon’s religious mosaic and the pope’s push for dialogue across faiths.
Visiting saints and serving the vulnerable
His schedule includes a visit to the Monastery of Saint Maron, where he will pray at the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a revered figure known for bridging divides.
He’ll also stop at a large Catholic-run psychiatric hospital and plant a cedar tree at the presidential palace, symbolic acts reflecting care for the vulnerable and the environment.
How the pope travels on mission
Leo is flying aboard ITA Airways with around 80 journalists and key Vatican officials. Once on the ground, he’ll travel by car, military helicopter and, at times, an open-top buggy.
His use of local transport and public events underscores the importance of visibility and connection during papal visits.
A shift in papal culture
In another notable first, Leo will deliver all his speeches in English and French, rather than Italian.
This change reflects his American background and linguistic fluency and signals a shift toward a more inclusive global papal communication style.
Quiet Thanksgiving amid busy diplomacy
While it’s unclear if Pope Leo will mark Thanksgiving formally, one of his brothers has said he’s fond of traditional stuffing.
Whether or not he celebrates, the themes of the holiday, gratitude and peace, are woven into the fabric of this deeply symbolic trip.
A mission rooted in hope
As Lebanon and Turkey navigate religious tensions and regional instability, Pope Leo’s visit brings attention to the power of faith-based diplomacy.
His presence in the Middle East, echoing his first words as pope, “Peace be with you all”, is both timely and deeply symbolic, offering a message of hope in a fractured world.
