Pope Leo Embarks on First International Journey, Starting in Turkey

A Six‑Day Pilgrimage to Strengthen Interfaith Dialogue

Pope Leo, the newly elected pontiff, kicked off a six‑day Middle Eastern tour on Monday, marking his first official trip since his election. The journey begins in Turkey, where the Holy Father will engage with political leaders, religious representatives, and local communities.

During his stay in Ankara, the Pope is scheduled to:

• Meet with President Ahmet Yılmaz to discuss regional peace and humanitarian aid.
• Attend a private audience with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, emphasizing Christian‑Orthodox unity.
• Visit the historic Church of St. George in Istanbul, a site symbolising centuries‑old Christian heritage in the region.

In addition to these high‑level meetings, Pope Leo will spend time in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, praying with believers of all faiths and highlighting the Catholic Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue. He plans to address a crowd at the Hagia Sophia, now a museum, underscoring the importance of cultural preservation and mutual respect.

Next Stop: Lebanon

After concluding his Turkish itinerary, the Pope will travel to Lebanon for the remaining days of his tour. There, he aims to:

• Offer solidarity to a nation grappling with economic hardship and political instability.
• Meet with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al‑Rahi to discuss the future of the Christian minority in the Middle East.
• Visit refugee camps, highlighting the Church’s role in providing humanitarian assistance.

The entire trip, spanning six days, is being closely watched by both the global Catholic community and international observers, who see it as a clear signal of Pope Leo’s dedication to peace, reconciliation, and the promotion of shared values across religious and cultural boundaries.