Pope Leo Kicks Off First International Journey with Peace Plea

Pope Leo has embarked on his long-anticipated first international journey, touching down in Turkey on Thursday, an event significant for both the Catholic Church and broader diplomatic efforts. This visit is critically examined as it offers insight into the new pontiff’s perspectives on peace, conflicts, and interfaith dialogue at a time when the Middle East faces escalating tensions.

The pope arrived in Ankara at 12:22 p.m. to commence a three-day sojourn in Turkey, followed by a visit to Lebanon. His presence holds symbolic weight; Turkey, primarily a Muslim nation, is historically vital to Christians as it was the seat of the early Church council that conceived the Nicene Creed 1,700 years ago. This foundational creed is pivotal for countless believers worldwide. By selecting Turkey as his launch point, Pope Leo emphasizes the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared historical journey.

This journey is particularly vital as little is known about Pope Leo’s political or diplomatic stance. Having served as a missionary in Peru for many years, he took on a leadership role at the Vatican in 2023 and was elected pope in May after the passing of Pope Francis, who intended to visit Turkey and Lebanon but could not do so due to health issues. Thus, this marks Pope Leo’s first significant chance to convey his worldview and the Church’s priorities.

Upon his arrival in Ankara, Pope Leo is expected to meet with President Tayyip Erdogan and address local political figures. Subsequently, he will head to Istanbul to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of almost 260 million Orthodox Christians. The history between the Catholic and Orthodox churches has been marked by divisions since the East-West Schism of 1054, but recent years have seen strides toward rebuilding that relationship. Their joint visit to Iznik, where the Nicene Council was held, is anticipated to send a powerful message of unity.

Unlike his predecessors, who typically spoke Italian abroad, Pope Leo is likely to communicate in English during his Turkey visit, showcasing his aim to reach a broader audience. His speeches are expected to concentrate on peace, collaboration, and religious understanding, particularly in light of rising tensions across the Middle East.

On Sunday, the pope will proceed to Lebanon, a nation grappling with significant political, economic, and security challenges. Even though Lebanon has the highest concentration of Christians in the Middle East, it is currently impacted by the fallout from the Gaza conflict and the looming threat of escalation. Recently, Israel executed a significant airstrike in Beirut, resulting in the death of a leading Hezbollah commander, provoking fears of further violence.

Lebanon also accommodates nearly one million refugees from Syria and Palestine, while its citizens endure the effects of ongoing economic devastation. Leaders in Beirut are hopeful that the pope’s visit will draw international attention to their plight and encourage global powers to advocate for peace. While the Vatican confirmed the implementation of stringent security measures, specific details remain undisclosed.

Pope Leo's inaugural international journey comes at a time when the world craves messages of peace and unity. His selection of Turkey and Lebanon, readiness to engage with both Muslim and Christian leaders, along with his focus on peace, makes this visit a pivotal moment that could shape global dialogues. As the new pope steps into the global arena, his communications and actions will be under intense scrutiny from millions eager for his peace-driven message to spark genuine change in a troubled region.