Pope Leo XIV has called on the faithful to accompany him in prayer as he prepares to embark on his first international Apostolic Visit, a six-day journey to Türkiye and Lebanon beginning Thursday. The Pope spoke about the upcoming trip during his Wednesday General Audience, describing the two nations as “rich in history and spirituality,” according to Vatican News.
The visit will mark a significant moment for the universal Church. Pope Leo highlighted that his pilgrimage will include a commemoration of “the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council,” held in Nicaea—today’s İznik in Türkiye. He also emphasized that the journey will provide an opportunity “to meet with the Catholic community, our Christian brothers and sisters, and those of other religions,” according to the report.
He concluded his remarks with a direct appeal to the faithful: the Pope asked listeners “to accompany me with your prayers,” Vatican News reported.
A Journey Rooted in Christian History
The itinerary connects deeply with early Christian tradition. In Türkiye, Pope Leo will first meet privately with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before addressing the country’s authorities. The following day, he will participate in an ecumenical prayer service in İznik to mark the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, underscored the profound significance of this moment, noting that Türkiye “was a cradle of Christianity, where the first communities arose,” according to Vatican News. He added that the Council of Nicaea “laid the foundations of our faith: belief in Jesus Christ as fully divine and fully human.”
From Istanbul to Beirut: A Message of Hope
The Pope will celebrate Mass in Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena on Saturday before continuing on to Lebanon on Sunday. Once in Beirut, he will meet with government leaders, Church authorities, representatives of other religions, and young people. The trip will conclude with a large public Mass at the Beirut Waterfront on Tuesday before the Pope returns to Rome later that afternoon.
Cardinal Parolin also reflected on the importance of the Lebanon portion of the trip. He noted that the country “has made some progress in resolving the crisis that has affected it in recent years,” citing improvements such as having “a president, a government, and… reforms underway.” Yet he acknowledged ongoing struggles, saying that “many difficulties, delays, and obstacles remain, which could slow or frustrate the population’s expectations,” according to Vatican News.
In this context, the Cardinal said, the Holy Father’s presence is intended to offer support and perseverance. He described Pope Leo’s message to the region as one of “encouragement,” inviting the people to “keep going, have courage, continue on the path you have begun.”
As Pope Leo XIV departs for a region central to Christian origins and contemporary challenges alike, the Holy Father’s request to the faithful remains clear: to lift him, and all those he will encounter, in prayer.
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