Pope Leo XIV is beginning the first foreign trip of his papacy. Over the next six days, he will first visit Turkey for a historic Christian anniversary before traveling to Lebanon just days after Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.
These visits were initially planned by the late Pope Francis, but the overarching theme of building bridges is one that Pope Leo has made his own since he ascended to the papacy in May. Throughout his first six months, he has exhibited a cautious approach, but this trip will subject his diplomatic skills to intense scrutiny.
A highlight of this journey will occur in Iznik, Turkey, the site where the ancient council of Nicaea convened 1,700 years ago. Pope Leo and other Christian leaders will commemorate the anniversary, which led to the establishment of the Nicene Creed, affirming that Jesus is the son of God.
Despite historical divisions between Eastern and Western Christianity, this trip aims to convey messages of unity and reconciliation. Additionally, the Pope plans to visit Istanbul's renowned Blue Mosque, continuing a legacy of interfaith dialogue established by his predecessors.
The Vatican reassured that plans for the Pope's visit to Lebanon remain unchanged in light of recent Israeli airstrikes. He will engage with religious leaders and youth in Lebanon, particularly emphasizing support for the country's Christian population, which constitutes about a third of its demographic.
On the final day, Pope Leo will celebrate Mass at the Beirut waterfront, commemorating the victims of the 2020 port explosion. While openly addressing certain issues, he has maintained a balancing act, appealing to both progressive and traditional factions within the Church.
Throughout this journey, he will communicate in English during his time in Turkey and use French for Lebanon's leg, a notable shift from his prior engagements primarily in Italian, reflecting his diplomatic outreach.
