Pope Leo XIV Concludes Turkey Visit, Arrives in Lebanon to Continue Peace Pilgrimage

BEIRUT, Lebanon — November 30, 2025 — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut on Sunday, marking the next phase of his first international pilgrimage, following a four-day visit to Turkey focused on promoting peace and unity, officials said.

The Chicago-born pontiff’s trip began on Thanksgiving Day with a flight from Rome to Turkey, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. During his stay, Pope Leo also engaged with Jewish religious leaders in Istanbul and participated in commemorations in Iznik alongside Orthodox patriarchs and ecumenical leaders to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

At a Mass in Istanbul attended by approximately 4,000 people, the pope addressed the country’s small Catholic community, which represents about 0.2% of Turkey’s population of 85 million. The Mass was held in a context shaped by the historical decimation of Christian populations during World War I and the predominance of Sunni Islam in the country.

During the visit, Pope Leo signed a joint declaration with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, underscoring a message of Christian unity. The pope’s homilies throughout the trip consistently emphasized themes of peace and reconciliation.

The Vatican’s chartered Airbus 320, which transported the pope, his entourage, and 80 journalists, underwent a software update before departing Turkey for Lebanon. Upon arrival in Beirut, Pope Leo was welcomed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his wife, Nehmat Nehmeh.

The pope’s visit to Lebanon comes amid economic difficulties and heightened security concerns in the country. This leg of the pilgrimage continues his efforts to foster dialogue and harmony in the Middle East.

The pilgrimage reflects Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to interfaith engagement and peacebuilding in a region marked by complex religious and political dynamics.