Pope Leo XIV Embarks on Historic First Foreign Trip to Turkey
Pope Leo XIV Embarks on Historic First Foreign Trip to Turkey
Ankara, Turkey – November 27, 2025: In a significant move aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue, Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his inaugural foreign trip as pontiff, landing in Turkey, a predominantly Muslim nation. This visit, which underscores his commitment to cooperation among different faiths, is set to last four days and includes meetings with key political and religious leaders.
Upon arrival, the Pope expressed his desire to promote peace and unity across diverse beliefs. "My trip seeks to proclaim how important peace is throughout the world," he stated during a flight from Rome, emphasizing the need for greater understanding among people of different religions.
During his time in Turkey, Pope Leo is scheduled to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, local Catholic clergy, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This meeting marks a historic moment, as Erdogan becomes the first head of state to host the new pope.
The Pope’s itinerary includes a visit to the ancient city of Nicaea, now known as Iznik, where he will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of a pivotal Christian gathering that produced the Nicene Creed, a foundational document for many Christian denominations. Vatican officials have noted that this trip was one that Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had hoped to undertake before his passing earlier this year.
Pope Leo’s choice to begin his papacy in Turkey is a nod to the country’s rich Christian history and a message of openness. "As a good Muslim, I am very happy," remarked Emre Oktem, a professor at Galatasaray University, highlighting the significance of this visit in promoting interfaith cooperation.
The Pope’s journey will continue to Lebanon, home to the Arab world’s largest Catholic community, where he is expected to meet with church and government officials.
As he mingled with journalists on the flight, Pope Leo showcased his approachable demeanor, wishing Americans a happy Thanksgiving and even sharing a light-hearted moment about completing the day’s Wordle puzzle in just three tries.
This visit not only marks a new chapter for the papacy but also serves as a beacon of hope for unity in a world often divided by religious differences.
