Pope to Embark on November Journey to Turkey and Lebanon, Marking First Foreign Trip
Pope Leo's First Overseas Journey: A Visit to Turkey and Lebanon
Pope Leo is preparing for his debut on the global stage, with plans for a journey to Turkey and Lebanon at the end of November. This will mark the first overseas trip for the newly elected Pope since his election.
The journey will begin with a visit to Turkey, where Pope Leo is expected to participate in the 1700-year anniversary celebrations of the First Council of Nicaea. The Council, convened in A.D. 325, is a significant milestone in the Church's history. The Pope is likely to collaborate with the Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai in Lebanon before traveling to Iznik (ancient Nicaea), Turkey.
The invitation to visit Istanbul has been extended by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew. Pope Leo and Bartholomew are expected to travel together to Iznik on Nov. 30. The official dates and full itinerary are not yet confirmed by the Vatican.
The visit to Turkey and Lebanon follows an invitation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, which was extended in June. The last papal trip to Lebanon was in 2012, during Benedict XVI's tenure.
In Turkey, Pope Leo is also expected to meet with the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople around November 30. The visit to Turkey and Lebanon is significant as it comes amidst hopes for improved relations between Turkey and Vatican City. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that these improved relations would foster tolerance and end humanitarian tragedies, particularly in Gaza.
The journey is expected to last just under a week. After his trip to Turkey, Pope Leo will visit Lebanon, according to local media reports. This will be the Pope's first visit to Lebanon since his election.
Pope Leo received a congratulatory letter from President Erdogan of Turkey, highlighting the potential for enhancing relations between the two nations. The last papal visit to Turkey was in 2014 under Pope Francis.
This journey will be a historic moment for Pope Leo, marking his debut on the global stage. The Pope's visits to Turkey and Lebanon are expected to strengthen relationships and foster understanding between the Church and the nations.
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