Pope Leo XIV will soon embark on his first apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, a six-day pilgrimage aimed at strengthening ecumenical ties, deepening interreligious dialogue, and offering support to Christian communities facing hardship across the region. The Holy See Press Office announced key details of the trip, which will take place from November 27 to December 2, 2025.
According to Vatican News, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni described the visit as “a demanding journey in two significant countries,” referring to Türkiye’s deep Christian roots and Lebanon’s ongoing economic and social instability. The Pope’s schedule includes stops in Ankara, Istanbul, İznik, and Beirut, as well as meetings with civil authorities, religious leaders, and local communities.
Bruni emphasized that “all necessary security measures have been taken,” according to the Vatican News report.
Ecumenical Mission at the Heart of the Pilgrimage
A major focus of the journey is the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. The Pope will travel to İznik—ancient Nicaea—for an ecumenical commemoration alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. According to Vatican News, Bruni stressed that “the ecumenical dimension is at the heart of this journey,” noting that Nicaea remains a foundational point of unity among Christian traditions.
One of the most symbolic moments will be the Pope and Patriarch walking together to the ruins of the Basilica of St Neophytos. The Vatican News report notes that the shared prayer will conclude with the lighting of a candle—a gesture meant to express Christian unity and hope.
Supporting Christian Communities Under Strain
Lebanon, suffering from economic crisis, political instability, and the lasting wounds of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, will be a central stop on the journey. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV will pray at the port in memory of the victims, meet with President Joseph Aoun, and visit both Latin and Eastern Catholic communities.
The Pope will also address Lebanese youth at Bkerké, home of the Maronite Patriarchate. Vatican News reports that this encounter is expected to carry “strong messages of hope in the Jubilee Year,” as many young Lebanese navigate uncertainty about their future or consider emigration.
Interreligious Engagement
The trip will also highlight the importance of dialogue across religious lines. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo will visit the Diyanet, Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs; meet the Chief Rabbi of Türkiye; and hold private meetings with Muslim and Druze leaders in Lebanon.
These encounters underscore the Vatican’s commitment to promoting peace in a region marked by religious diversity and periodic conflict.
Moments of Prayer and Symbolic Acts
The pilgrimage will include numerous gestures loaded with historical and spiritual meaning. Vatican News lists several key moments: prayer inside Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, a wreath at the mausoleum of Atatürk, Mass celebrated at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, the planting of a cedar tree at Lebanon’s presidential palace, and prayer at the tomb of St. Charbel as well as before the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon.
Cardinals Kurt Koch, George Koovakad, and Claudio Gugerotti will accompany the Pope on the journey. According to Vatican News, the Pope will speak in English for official events and in French during liturgical celebrations. As is customary, he will hold a press conference during the return flight.
A Pilgrimage of Peace, Unity, and Hope
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV aims for this visit to be a “voice of peace, unity, and hope at the heart of the Middle East.” His presence in Türkiye and Lebanon not only follows in the footsteps of previous popes, but also seeks to strengthen bonds between Christians and their neighbors in a region where faith, history, and culture meet in complex ways.
This journey—marked by prayer, listening, and encounter—carries the promise of renewed fraternity and the enduring witness of the Gospel in lands central to Christianity’s earliest story.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
