Pope Leo XIV Embarks on Turkey Mission to Heal Christian Divides

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Ankara, Turkey, on his inaugural international trip as pontiff, with a mission to promote peace and bridge longstanding divisions among Christian denominations. This six-day tour, which also includes Lebanon, comes as the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, a holiday the first American pope acknowledges by sharing a message of gratitude. His visit aims to bolster the morale of Christian communities facing challenges in the region.

During his stay, Pope Leo plans to engage with both religious and political leaders, lead Mass in both countries, and address pressing issues affecting local Christians. In a Thanksgiving message shared with NBC News, he encouraged people to express gratitude and recognize the many gifts they have received, particularly the gift of life. The pontiff humorously received a pecan pie from NBC News during the flight to Turkey, symbolizing the warmth of the season.

Pope Leo’s choice to visit the Middle East, rather than the United States or Peru, where he served as a missionary, reflects the region’s significance as the heart of Christianity. According to Miles Pattenden, a historian at the University of Oxford, the timing of the trip coincides with the **1,700th anniversary** of the Council of Nicaea, an important event in Christian history. Convened by Emperor Constantine, this gathering established the Nicene Creed, which is foundational to Christian beliefs today.

Unity and Healing in a Divided World

Pope Leo plans to meet with **Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew**, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christians, at the site of the 325 AD gathering in Iznik. They will sign a joint declaration aimed at promoting Christian unity. Bartholomew recently emphasized the obligation to heal the deep wounds inflicted by the **Great Schism of 1054**, which divided the Eastern and Western churches.

While the visit seeks to address historical divides, it also presents an opportunity for the pontiff to discuss current conflicts in the region. The Middle East has been affected by ongoing violence, including two years of war in Gaza and frequent military actions in Lebanon, which has a significant Christian population. Recently, Israeli airstrikes targeted southern Lebanon, marking a notable escalation in tensions. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that this latest strike resulted in five fatalities and 25 injuries.

In addition to meeting religious leaders, Pope Leo is scheduled to meet with Turkish President **Recep Tayyip Erdogan** and Lebanese President **Joseph Aoun**. Pattenden noted that Turkey’s influence in the region makes it a crucial stop for the pontiff. The visit allows Pope Leo to express sympathy for the ongoing challenges faced by communities in both Turkey and Lebanon without directly engaging in highly controversial areas like Gaza.

A Symbol of Hope Amidst Turmoil

In Lebanon, Pope Leo will pay respects to the site of the **Beirut port blast** that occurred in August 2020. The explosion, which killed at least **218 people** and injured thousands, highlighted issues of governmental negligence and corruption that continue to plague the country. The investigation into the disaster has stalled, with no convictions made five years later, adding to public frustration.

Pattenden explained that the choice of Turkey and Lebanon allows Pope Leo to draw attention to regional issues while avoiding more contentious locations. His predecessor, Pope Francis, faced criticism during his visits due to political tensions, and Pope Leo appears to be more deliberate in navigating these complexities.

Significantly, during this trip, Pope Leo will speak primarily in English, along with some French during his time in Lebanon. This approach marks a departure from previous popes who often utilized Italian, enabling him to connect more directly with global audiences. Pattenden suggested that this shift could have a significant impact, allowing the pontiff to convey his messages without mediation.

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this significant journey, his actions in Turkey and Lebanon may resonate far beyond the immediate region, potentially fostering a renewed spirit of unity among Christians worldwide.