Pope Leo held a significant General Audience on Wednesday, marking one of his last official engagements in Rome prior to his highly anticipated Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, set to commence on Thursday. During this audience, the Pope expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming visit, which will be his first foreign trip as the leader of the Catholic Church. He described both Türkiye and Lebanon as countries “rich in history and spirituality,” emphasizing the profound significance of his journey.
As he concluded the audience, the Pope highlighted that this Apostolic Visit would serve as a momentous occasion to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council, which was convened in Nicaea, present-day İznik in Türkiye. He expressed his eagerness to engage with the local Catholic community, along with our “Christian brothers and sisters” and those belonging to other religions. The Pope earnestly asked his followers to accompany him with their prayers during this pivotal journey.
Pope Leo is scheduled to arrive in Türkiye around midday on Thursday. His first official meeting will be a private audience with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, followed by an address to Turkish authorities. On Friday, the Pope will travel to Nicaea, where he will take part in an ecumenical prayer service celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council, further solidifying his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
On Saturday, the Pope will celebrate Mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, a significant event that underscores the importance of faith in this region. Following his time in Türkiye, the Pope will journey to Lebanon on Sunday, where he plans to meet with various groups, including local authorities, Church leaders, and representatives from different religions, as well as young people. This engagement is crucial in promoting unity and understanding among diverse communities.
On Tuesday, Pope Leo will celebrate a public Mass at the Beirut Waterfront before returning to Rome, with an expected arrival time of around 4:00 PM. This visit marks a historic moment for both Türkiye and Lebanon, highlighting the role of the Pope in fostering peace and dialogue in regions that have faced significant challenges.
In anticipation of the Pope’s journey, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Holy See Secretary of State, spoke to Vatican News about the significance of Türkiye as a historical cradle of Christianity, where the first Christian communities emerged. He emphasized that the Council of Nicaea was instrumental in establishing the fundamental tenets of Christian faith, including the belief in Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human.
Cardinal Parolin also underscored the importance of the Pope's visit to Lebanon, noting that the country has made strides toward resolving the crises that have plagued it in recent years. He pointed out that Lebanon now has a president, a functioning government, and ongoing reforms. However, he cautioned that numerous difficulties, delays, and obstacles remain, which could hinder the population's hopes for a brighter future.
In light of these challenges, Cardinal Parolin suggested that the Pope’s message will be one of “encouragement,” urging the people to “keep going, have courage, and continue on the path you have begun.” This sentiment resonates deeply as the region seeks stability and peace through faith and collaboration.