Pope Leo visits Turkiye and Lebanon on first foreign trip

First American pope will arrive in the Turkish capital Ankara, where he will meet President Erdogan.

Pope Leo has begun his inaugural foreign trip as the Catholic leader, visiting Turkiye and Lebanon to promote peace in the Middle East and unity among Christian denominations. His three-day itinerary includes meetings with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara and a significant visit to Istanbul. Leo, the first U.S. pope, chose Turkiye to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed’s formulation. After Turkiye, he will travel to Lebanon amid ongoing regional conflicts.