Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undertake his first foreign trip, visiting Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. This itinerary fulfills a plan initially developed by Pope Francis, which included commemorating an anniversary with the Orthodox Church in Turkey and supporting the Christian community in Lebanon, as well as addressing issues related to the 2020 Beirut port blast.
Papal Background and Media Presence
Pope Leo XIV previously served for 12 years as superior of his Augustinian religious order and spent two decades as a missionary in Peru. He has indicated a preference for travel and has demonstrated diplomatic and linguistic capabilities in interactions with reporters.
The trip is being extensively covered by U.S. media outlets, including major networks, and involves approximately 80 journalists in the papal press corps, encompassing Vatican, Lebanese, and Turkish media. The visit occurs during ongoing international discussions regarding the conflict in Ukraine and the cease-fire in Gaza.
Language and Press Conference
Pope Leo XIV intends to deliver his remarks in English during his engagements in Turkey. In Lebanon, he will use both English and French, departing from the Vatican's traditional use of Italian. An in-flight press conference on December 2, during the return journey to Rome, is anticipated.
Turkey Visit: Council of Nicaea Anniversary
The primary objective of the Turkey leg of the trip is to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, recognized as Christianity's first ecumenical council. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, at the historical site of Nicaea (present-day Iznik).
They are expected to sign a joint declaration, symbolizing Christian unity. The Great Schism of 1054 led to the division of Eastern and Western churches, a split significantly influenced by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. Patriarch Bartholomew has expressed the importance of addressing this historical division.
Middle East Peace and Regional Tensions
The visit will provide opportunities for Pope Leo XIV to address regional tensions, relations between Catholic and Muslim communities, and the demographic trend of a decreasing Christian population in the Middle East. The Vatican's position regarding Palestinians in Gaza during the recent conflict has been noted by clergy in the region as having impacted its standing among Muslim populations.
Security Measures
Security protocols are in place for the trip, with organizers asserting the Pope's safety despite recent regional incidents, such as an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The Vatican has not announced any additional security measures, and a spokesman declined to comment on the specifications of papal vehicles. Pope Leo XIV will not visit southern Lebanon, an area recently affected by intensified Israeli strikes.
Lebanon Visit: Beirut Port Blast Site
A key event in Lebanon on December 2 will be Pope Leo XIV's silent prayer at the site of the August 4, 2020, Beirut port blast. This explosion resulted in at least 218 fatalities, over 6,000 injuries, and extensive damage to the capital. The incident involved the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate in a warehouse. An investigation into the blast has experienced delays, and no officials have been convicted regarding the event.
Lebanese citizens and religious leaders have expressed a desire for Pope Leo XIV to call for accountability from the country's political leaders concerning the blast and broader governance issues. The Pope is also slated to meet with young Lebanese citizens, with an aim to offer encouragement amidst ongoing emigration and acknowledge their concerns regarding societal challenges. Organizations like Aid to the Church in Need view the visit as a significant demonstration of support for Lebanon.