Pope Leo XIV Embarks on Landmark Middle East Visit to Foster Interfaith Dialogue and Peace

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his first international journey as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, visiting Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2, 2025. This trip underscores the Vatican's commitment to interfaith dialogue, Christian unity, and regional peace initiatives.

Upon arrival in Ankara on November 27, Pope Leo met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During their meeting, Erdoğan praised the Pope's "astute stance" on the Palestinian issue and emphasized the importance of justice for the Palestinian people, advocating for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders. The Turkish president also acknowledged the Pope's meaningful calls for peace in Ukraine.

The visit coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in Christian history that established the Nicene Creed. On November 28, Pope Leo traveled to İznik (ancient Nicaea) to participate in an ecumenical prayer service near the archaeological excavations of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos. This commemoration highlights the shared heritage between Catholic and Orthodox Christians.

In Istanbul, the Pope met with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, promoting Christian unity. He also visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, and engaged with local Christian communities. These engagements underscore the Vatican's efforts to foster understanding between Christianity and Islam.

Pope Leo's itinerary includes a visit to Lebanon, where he plans to address regional conflicts and advocate for peace. The trip is marked by heightened security measures due to escalating tensions in the region. The Pope's advocacy for peace and justice may influence political leaders and contribute to conflict resolution efforts in the Middle East.

This apostolic journey aims to promote dialogue and unity among Christians and foster interreligious dialogue in a region marked by both a rich history and ongoing tensions. By addressing conflicts and advocating for justice, Pope Leo seeks to position the Vatican as a mediator in Middle Eastern affairs.

Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, is the first American pontiff. Prior to his election, he served as a missionary in Peru and became a Vatican official in 2023. His visit to Turkey and Lebanon reflects the Vatican's commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation in a region marked by both a rich history and ongoing tensions.

The Pope's engagements with political and religious leaders, as well as local communities, reflect the Vatican's commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation in a region marked by both a rich history and ongoing tensions. His advocacy for peace and justice may influence political leaders and contribute to conflict resolution efforts in the Middle East.

Pope Leo XIV's first apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon is a significant step in promoting interfaith dialogue, Christian unity, and regional peace. His engagements with political and religious leaders, as well as local communities, reflect the Vatican's commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation in a region marked by both a rich history and ongoing tensions.