Pope Leo XIV will make his first foreign journey as pontiff next month with a landmark visit to Türkiye and Lebanon, highlighting a historic moment of Christian unity and interfaith dialogue.
The Vatican released the itinerary for the Nov. 27–Dec. 2 trip, which centres on commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea — Christianity’s first ecumenical council, held in 325 AD. The council, convened in what is now İznik, Türkiye, remains a foundational event for both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
On Nov. 28, Pope Leo will travel by helicopter to İznik for a brief prayer near the archaeological site of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos, underscoring the spiritual significance of the location.
In Istanbul, the pope will lead a mass at Volkswagen Arena Stadium, marking a rare public liturgical celebration in the heart of the city. He will also visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque — widely known as the Blue Mosque — in a gesture of interreligious respect and continuity with previous papal visits.
Another key moment will be his Nov. 30 prayer at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, reflecting the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to ecumenical outreach.
Notably, Pope Leo will not visit the Hagia Sophia, a site traditionally included in papal itineraries, signalling a shift in focus toward living religious communities and shared spiritual heritage.
The trip is expected to deepen ties between the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox leaders, while also fostering goodwill with Türkiye’s Muslim and Armenian Christian communities.
