Pope Leo XIV to Visit Turkey & Lebanon: First Papal Trip

Pope Leo XIV to Make First Official Visit Abroad — Turkey and Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV will make his first international trip since assuming the papacy, with Turkey and Lebanon selected as the destinations of his inaugural visit. The highlight of the trip will be a historic mass in the Turkish city of Iznik — ancient Nicaea — the site of the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD.

A Visit of Deep Historical Significance

The Pope's choice of Turkey underlines the country's unique role in the origins of Christianity. Iznik, formerly Nicaea, hosted the First Ecumenical Council, where foundational Christian doctrines, including the Nicene Creed, were established.

Church historians describe the visit as "a symbolic return to one of Christianity's earliest and most important centers."

Thousands Expected to Attend

Local authorities anticipate around 15,000 pilgrims, a notable figure for a city with a population of just under 46,000. The mass dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea is expected to be the central event of the Pope's Turkish program.

Why Nicaea Matters

Nicaea is considered one of the pillars of early Christianity due to its:

• Role as the site of the First Ecumenical Council (325 AD),
• Deep Byzantine and early Christian heritage,
• Status as a significant pilgrimage destination.

Importance for Turkey

The visit is expected to:

• Highlight Turkey's multicultural and multireligious legacy,
• Strengthen interfaith dialogue,
• Increase global attention to the country's Christian archaeological heritage,
• Boost religious tourism in the region.

Preparations Underway

Turkish authorities and religious organizations are preparing for the arrival of the Pope and thousands of pilgrims. International media are expected to follow the visit closely due to its historical and symbolic relevance.

This trip marks Pope Leo XIV's first journey outside the Vatican, giving the event particular weight for the global Christian community.