Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Middle East Tour with Appeal for Peace and Christian Unity

ANKARA — Pope Leo XIV touched down in Turkey on Thursday, embarking on his first overseas journey since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. The visit, heavily symbolic, commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which established the Nicene Creed—a foundational statement of faith for most Christian denominations globally.

Arriving in Ankara at 12:22 p.m. local time (0922 GMT), the US-born pontiff is slated for a rigorous three-day schedule that includes meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials. Observers highlight the significance of the trip, noting it as an initial opportunity for Pope Leo XIV to articulate his geopolitical perspectives on the world stage.

"This is a pivotal journey because until now, little is known about Leo's stance on global affairs, and here he can begin to clarify his vision," remarked Massimo Faggioli, an Italian expert on Vatican affairs.

Following his engagements in Ankara, Pope Leo XIV will proceed to Istanbul, where he will meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, recognized as the spiritual head of Orthodox Christianity. This meeting underscores ongoing efforts to bridge divisions dating back to the East-West Schism of 1054.

On Friday, the two leaders will visit Iznik (historically Nicaea), a site of profound historic and religious importance where the early Church leaders formulated the Nicene Creed.

In a notable departure from tradition, Pope Leo XIV is expected to deliver his speeches in English rather than Italian during this trip, signaling a broader international outreach.

The papal visit will then extend to Lebanon, starting Sunday, where the pope is anticipated to focus on themes of peace against the backdrop of escalating regional conflict. Lebanon, home to the Middle East's largest Christian population, continues to grapple with the consequences of the ongoing Gaza conflict, including recent Israeli military action against Hezbollah positions.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed stringent security measures are in place for the pope’s protection in Lebanon but refrained from providing further details.

Lebanese authorities, facing economic difficulties and managing a substantial refugee population, view the papal visit as an opportunity to draw global attention to their nation's fragile stability and aspirations for peace.

Pope Leo XIV’s Middle East tour is poised to be closely observed as a benchmark of his leadership priorities and diplomatic engagement on the international stage.