Pope Leo XIV Sets Out on Turkey–Lebanon Trip to Foster Christian Unity and Peace

Vatican City, 26 November 2025 — Pope Leo XIV has announced an apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon from 27 November to 2 December 2025, visiting ancient Iznik (Nicaea) and Beirut, aiming to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and to deliver a message of Christian unity and regional peace. 

Speaking from Castel Gandolfo shortly before departure, the Pope expressed his hope that the pilgrimage will strengthen bonds among Christians worldwide and promote reconciliation and understanding amid divisions and conflict. He described the trip as rooted in the creed once formulated at Nicaea — a creed shared by many Christian traditions — and as a sign of hope during a turbulent time. 

The journey will include an ecumenical commemoration in Iznik, meetings with Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Druze leaders, visits to mosques and ancient churches, and prayers at Beirut’s port in memory of the victims of the 2020 explosion. 

The Vatican emphasises that the visit — combining historic remembrance, inter-religious dialogue, and solidarity with suffering communities — aims to reaffirm that shared faith and mutual respect can be a force for peace and reconciliation across the Middle East.

Source and Image Credits : Vatican News