Ankara, Turkiye – Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has embarked on his first foreign trip as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, visiting Turkiye before heading to Lebanon. Landing in Ankara on November 27, 2025, Leo’s three-day itinerary in Turkiye is packed with historic, interfaith, and diplomatic engagements.

“We hope to … announce, transmit, proclaim how important peace is throughout the world and to invite all people to come together, to search for greater unity, greater harmony,” the pope said on board the papal flight from Rome.

Meetings with Turkish Leadership

Upon arrival, Pope Leo met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara. The two leaders discussed regional peace efforts, including the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine, with Erdogan praising the pontiff’s “astute stance” on these issues.

Prior to their meeting, Leo paid respects at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkiye, underscoring the symbolic and diplomatic significance of his visit.

Erdogan said he hopes Leo’s visit “will be beneficial for all humanity at a time when uncertainties and tensions are on the rise,” emphasizing the pope’s calls for dialogue and diplomacy.

Historical and Religious Significance

Leo’s visit to Turkiye marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where early church leaders formulated the Nicene Creed, foundational to Christian faith worldwide. During the trip, the pope will visit Istanbul and Iznik (ancient Nicaea), historic centers of early Christianity.

In Istanbul, Leo will meet Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world’s 260 million Orthodox Christians, in a symbolic effort to foster Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. This meeting highlights ongoing efforts to reconcile divisions dating back to the East-West Schism of 1054.

Laki Vingas, a member of Istanbul’s Greek Orthodox community, described the visit as “extremely important and significant,” both historically and for Christian minorities in the region.

Focus on Peace in Conflict Zones

Pope Leo is expected to use his six-day trip to Turkiye and Lebanon to advocate for peace in the Middle East. He has called for “a just, lasting and respectful” resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemned the “unacceptable” conditions faced by Palestinians.

During his visit to Lebanon, Leo will address the country’s ongoing economic and political crisis and the impact of repeated Israeli air strikes, including the recent killing of Hezbollah chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai in Beirut. The Vatican has confirmed extensive security measures to protect the pontiff during his visit.

Unique Approach and International Diplomacy

Departing from tradition, Pope Leo is expected to deliver speeches in English, rather than Italian, reflecting his American heritage and emphasizing global outreach. His foreign travel marks a major step in his papacy, combining religious leadership, diplomacy, and interfaith engagement.

As the fifth pope to visit Turkiye—following Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis—Leo’s visit carries significant symbolic, historical, and geopolitical weight, reinforcing the Vatican’s commitment to peacebuilding, dialogue, and Christian unity.