Beirut: Pope Leo XIV concluded his first international apostolic journey a six-day pilgrimage across Turkey and Lebanon marked by profound gestures of prayer, ecumenical brotherhood, and solidarity with Christian communities facing immense challenges. The visit became a powerful tapestry of liturgical symbolism, pastoral closeness, and appeals for peace in a region where ancient Christian heritage stands alongside modern wounds.
Throughout the journey, the pope emphasized three recurring themes: unity among Christians, peace among peoples, and hope for the suffering. Below are the most striking and memorable moments from the landmark trip.
TURKEY: A PILGRIMAGE TO THE ROOTS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
A State Welcome Befitting a Historic Visit
The pope’s arrival at Ankara’s Esenboğa International Airport set the tone for the days ahead. Turkish officials and military representatives welcomed him with full honors. As he arrived at the Presidential Palace, a ceremonial cavalry guard, national anthems, and a 21-gun salute underscored the significance of the visit the first major papal trip to Turkey in more than a decade.
Honoring 1,700 Years Since the Council of Nicaea
On Nov. 28, Pope Leo travelled to Iznik, the ancient city where the First Council of Nicaea convened in 325 AD and gave birth to the Nicene Creed the central confession of Christian faith.
Standing at the excavation site of the Basilica of St. Neophytus, the pope joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and other church leaders for an ecumenical prayer service. The historic setting a fourth-century basilica submerged in both history and symbolism amplified the call for unity between the churches of East and West.
A Message on Charity in Istanbul
During his time in Istanbul, Pope Leo visited the Nursing Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, where he reminded caregivers that Christian charity “begins with presence before action.” He encouraged them to embrace service not merely as work, but as communion with those they support.
Strengthening a Tiny Catholic Community
Later that day, the pope met the small Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit a “little flock” representing around 0.05% of Turkey’s population. He called on them to draw strength from the “Gospel’s logic of littleness,” insisting that even a small community can be a powerful witness in a predominantly non-Christian environment.
In a touching moment, a young child approached the Holy Father for a blessing, symbolizing the quiet but enduring vitality of Turkey’s Catholic presence.
A Joint Blessing for Unity
On Nov. 30, Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew offered a joint ecumenical blessing from the balcony of the Phanar after the Orthodox Divine Liturgy. The shared blessing echoing gestures made by past popes was a strong sign of fraternal closeness between Rome and Constantinople.
LEBANON: HOPE AMID WOUNDS AND RESILIENCE
A Rainbow Over a Wounded City
As Pope Leo entered his second day in Lebanon, a vivid rainbow appeared above the Port of Beirut the same port shattered by the catastrophic 2020 explosion. Many saw it as a symbolic reminder of God’s promise and Lebanon’s resilience.
First Pope to Visit the Tomb of St. Charbel
In a historic milestone, Pope Leo became the first pontiff ever to visit the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf, the revered Maronite monk and miracle worker. Praying in silence at the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaya, the pope highlighted the saint as a beacon of holiness and a protector of Lebanon’s Christian identity.
A Golden Rose for the Mother of Lebanon
At the prestigious Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, Pope Leo presented a Golden Rose, a papal honor traditionally given to Marian shrines of global significance. The gesture reaffirmed the deep bond between Lebanon’s Catholics and the universal Church.
Amid the gathering, a little girl joyfully displayed a rosary gifted by the pontiff another tender image that touched hearts across the country.
A Prayer at the Beirut Explosion Site
One of the trip’s most emotional moments came on the final morning, when the pope stood before the ruins of the Beirut port explosion. He prayed in silence, laid a wreath, and met victims’ families and survivors still recovering from the trauma.
Five years after one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in modern history which killed 236 people and injured more than 7,000 families continue to demand justice and transparency.
Mass With 150,000 Faithful
Later that day, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Beirut Waterfront, drawing an estimated 150,000 worshipers. In his homily, he urged the Lebanese people to resist despair and to hold fast to their tradition of coexistence and hospitality.
Blessing the Sick and Vulnerable
In Jal el Dib, the pope visited the De La Croix Hospital, where he spent time in the Saint-Dominique wing with children living with severe disabilities. He offered blessings, comfort, and words of encouragement to their families and caregivers.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Before boarding his flight back to Rome, Pope Leo left Lebanon with a message filled with emotion: “Leaving this land means carrying you in my heart.”
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Fraternity
Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon will be remembered not only for its historic settings and large crowds, but for its message: unity is possible, hope is alive, and faith remains a source of strength even in places marked by suffering. His pilgrimage brought comfort to small communities, honored ancient Christian traditions, and amplified the global call for peace amid turmoil in the Middle East leaving behind moments that will resonate for years to come.