Pope Leo XIV is beginning the first foreign trip of his papacy. Over the next six days he will first visit Turkey for a historic Christian anniversary. He will then visit Lebanon just days after Israeli airstrikes on its capital, Beirut.
Visits to both countries were initially planned by the late Pope Francis, but the overarching theme of building bridges has been adopted by Pope Leo since his election. This trip will showcase his diplomatic abilities as he focuses on fostering unity among Christians.
A significant event will occur in Iznik, Turkey, once known as Nicaea, where leaders from various Christian traditions will gather to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of an important council that affirmed foundational Christian beliefs. This visit is especially symbolic, intending to mend historical divides between Eastern and Western branches of Christianity.
While in Turkey, Pope Leo plans to visit the Blue Mosque, continuing a tradition upheld by his predecessors, which signifies a commitment to interreligious dialogue. Following Turkey, his visit to Lebanon will further emphasize this mission, as he engages with local faith leaders and meets with the Christian community following recent violent escalations.
In Lebanon, he will advocate for peace and healing, culminating in a Mass at the waterfront in Beirut to honor the victims of a tragic 2020 explosion. This trip represents a delicate balancing act for Pope Leo as he navigates complex political landscapes while trying to evoke a sense of hope and resilience among the faithful.
Throughout this journey, he is expected to communicate primarily in English, as the Vatican has confirmed, with some addresses in French during his time in Lebanon. His approach, bridging ideas from both progressive and traditional perspectives within the Church, will be critical as he endeavors to unite diverse thoughts under the banner of peace.
