Vatican City: During Wednesday’s General Audience, Pope Leo XIV turned attention to his upcoming Apostolic Visit to Türkiye and Lebanon, describing both nations as lands “deeply rooted in ancient heritage and profound spiritual tradition.” The address came as one of his final public engagements in Rome before he departs on Thursday for what will be his first international trip as Pope.
The Holy Father explained that the journey carries significant spiritual and historical weight. He noted that the visit will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea known today as İznik in Türkiye an event foundational to the early Christian faith. He added that the trip will also allow him to connect personally with Catholics, fellow Christians of various denominations, and believers of other religions. Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo XIV warmly appealed to the faithful: “Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this pilgrimage.”
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to land in Türkiye around midday on Thursday. His itinerary begins with a private meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, followed by an address to national authorities.
On Friday, he will travel to Nicaea (İznik) to participate in an ecumenical prayer gathering commemorating the landmark council of 325 AD. The following day, he will celebrate Mass at Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul, before departing for Lebanon on Sunday.
In Lebanon, the Pope’s schedule includes encounters with government officials, Church leaders, representatives of other faith traditions, and youth communities. The visit will culminate on Tuesday with a public Mass at Beirut Waterfront, after which he will return to Rome by late afternoon.
Speaking to Vatican News ahead of the journey, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, reflected on the significance of the destinations. He described Türkiye as “one of the birthplaces of Christianity,” where the earliest Christian communities took shape. The Council of Nicaea, he said, “provided the theological foundation for our belief in Jesus Christ, true God and true man.”
Turning to Lebanon, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged that the nation has recently seen “some movement towards recovery” after years of crisis. The establishment of a president, a functioning government, and ongoing reforms offer signs of progress, he observed, though he cautioned that numerous challenges still threaten to slow the process.
In this environment, he said, Pope Leo XIV’s presence will serve as a message of encouragement, urging the people of Lebanon to “move forward, stay hopeful, and remain steadfast in the path they have begun.”