Pope Leo XIV begins first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon amid regional tensions
Pope Leo XIV departs Thursday for a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, his first international trip since his election in May, focusing on Christian history and delivering a message of peace.
November 27, 2025 - 01:03 AM ET • 2 min read
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to begin his first international trip since his election in May, departing Thursday for a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon that concludes on December 2. The 70-year-old pontiff, whose birth name is Robert François Prevost, will travel to two nations facing distinct challenges, blending a focus on the deep roots of Christianity with a message of peace in a conflict zone.
The trip begins Thursday when the Pope flies to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The primary objective of the Turkish leg of the journey is to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a foundational event in Church history held in May 325 in Nicea (now Iznik, Turkey). The Pope is expected to highlight the importance of faith and unity during his time in Turkey, a nation of 87 million people where the population is overwhelmingly Muslim and Christians are few.
The itinerary shifts dramatically on Sunday, November 30, when the Pope lands in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. This marks the first time Pope Leo XIV will visit a country actively affected by war, bringing him close to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the tensions and fighting with Israel, which is concentrated in the south of the country.
The situation in Lebanon is described as worsening due to the conflict and a deep economic crisis. Authorities noted that Israel launched missiles in Beirut this past Sunday, resulting in five deaths. The Pope intends to approach the combat line with Israel and deliver a message of hope and peace to the nation.
Lebanon is known for its complex religious landscape, featuring a Muslim majority coexisting with numerous Christian communities, including 10 distinct ancient Christian churches. The Pope plans to speak about the value of coexistence and tolerance.
During his time in Beirut, the pontiff is scheduled to meet with young people and visit emblematic locations, including the port of Beirut, which was the site of a massive explosion in 2020.