Aboard the Papal Plane to Ankara: Pope Leo XIV, traveling on his first Apostolic Journey abroad, described his week-long visit to Turkiye and Lebanon as a profound mission aimed at promoting unity, harmony, and peace in a world increasingly marked by division. Speaking to more than 80 journalists on board the papal aircraft shortly after take-off from Rome, the Pope blended heartfelt reflections with humour, gratitude, and warm interactions that set a hopeful tone for the journey ahead.
Stepping out from behind the cabin curtains with a smile, Pope Leo XIV greeted the press corps with a cheerful, “Good morning to the Americans here, Happy Thanksgiving!” The Pope expressed deep appreciation for the journalistic community, thanking them for their service to the Vatican, the Holy See, and the global public.
He emphasized that the media’s role is crucial at this moment in history: “It is important that the message be transmitted in a way that reveals the truth and the harmony that the world needs.”
The Pope underscored that his journey to Türkiye and Lebanon is intrinsically linked to the pursuit of unity. Marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the visit carries a strong ecumenical and historical significance. Despite extensive missionary travels during his years as Prior of the Augustinians, Pope Leo admitted this is his first time visiting either country an experience he eagerly anticipates due to both nations’ rich Christian and interreligious heritage.
Pope Leo XIV repeatedly stressed that the mission of the Church in these regions is rooted in the desire to sow peace.
“In Türkiye and Lebanon, we wish to proclaim how essential peace is for the world,” he said. “We want to invite all people no matter their religion, culture, or beliefs to seek unity and harmony so that all men and women may live truly as brothers and sisters.”
He expressed hope that this visit would inspire people worldwide to become active promoters of peace. Before returning to his seat, the Pope thanked journalists again for being part of what he called “a historic moment.”
The encounter on board the plane was lively and full of lighthearted moments. Journalists stood up with phones and cameras ready as the Pope made his way down the aisle, greeting each one individually.
Veteran Mexican correspondent Valentina Alazraki, who has covered papal trips since 1979, presented him with a Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin of Guadalupe—“for a Pope from North America with a Latin American heart.”
Other unusual gifts included:
• Pumpkin pie, offered in honour of Thanksgiving
• Slippers and socks from his favourite baseball team, the Chicago White Sox
• A baseball bat once belonging to legendary American player Nellie Fox—prompting the Pope to joke, “How did this pass security?”
• A collage of childhood and missionary photos
• A parchment from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Kharkiv, thanking him for supporting Ukrainians affected by the war
One of the most touching offerings came from Spanish journalist Eva Fernández, who gave the Pope a letter written by a 15-year-old cancer patient he had recently visited, along with her ancestral family crest.
The papal plane landed in Ankara at 12:22 p.m. local time, where Pope Leo was welcomed with full state honours. After greetings on board by the Apostolic Nuncio and Turkish protocol officials, the Holy Father stepped onto Turkish soil for the first major stop of his international ministry.
His official programme in Ankara includes:
• A solemn visit to the Atatürk Mausoleum, resting place of modern Türkiye’s founder
• A meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
• An address to Turkish authorities, civil society representatives, and diplomats
Later in the day, the Pope will fly to Istanbul, where he will stay at the Apostolic Nunciature for the remainder of his time in Türkiye.
The motto of the visit “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” captures the central theme of the journey: fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and renewed fraternity between East and West.
Through his words to journalists and the symbolic start of his Apostolic Journey, Pope Leo XIV has set the tone for a pilgrimage rooted in hope and dedicated to building bridges across cultures, nations, and faiths.