Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the conclusion of the General Audience, underlined that the upcoming Türkiye and Lebanon trip will be his “first international journey.” According to the detailed schedule released by the Holy See, the Pope will engage in discussions carrying major significance for both the Christian world and regional diplomacy.

Pope to Mark 1700 Years of Nicaea Council in Türkiye

The Pope will arrive in Ankara on the first day and hold an official meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He will then address Turkish state officials, members of civil society and the diplomatic corps.

In the evening, Pope Leo will continue his program in Istanbul.

On Friday, 28 November, the Pope’s first stop will be the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, where he will meet bishops, priests, deacons and pastoral workers. Later, he will visit a care home operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor.

A short helicopter flight will take the Pope to Nicaea, where he will attend an ecumenical prayer service near the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos. This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a foundational moment in early Christian history.

Returning to Istanbul the same day, the Pope will hold a private meeting with the bishops of the Apostolic Delegation.

Interfaith Contacts and Joint Declaration

On Saturday, 29 November, the official program begins with a courtesy visit to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). The Pope will then continue to the Syriac Orthodox Mor Efrem Church for a meeting with Christian community leaders.

Later in the day, he will attend a doxology at the Church of Saint George in the Phanar and hold a private meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, during which they will sign a joint declaration.

In the evening, Pope Leo will preside over a large Mass at the Volkswagen Arena.

Pope Leo XIV Will Continue Lebanon Visit

Following his program in Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV will travel from Istanbul to Beirut to begin the Lebanon segment of his visit. In the capital, he will hold separate meetings with the President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister.

Sacred Sites and Spiritual Stops

On Monday, 1 December, the Pope will dedicate the day to spiritual visits:

• He will pray at the tomb of Saint Charbel at the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya.
• He will then travel to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa to meet clergy.
• The day will end with a special meeting with Catholic Patriarchs.

Youth Gathering and Interreligious Dialogue

In the afternoon, the Pope will lead an interreligious and ecumenical gathering at Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square. He will then meet young people at the large square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch.

Final Day: Prayer at the Site of Tragedy

On Tuesday, 2 December, Pope Leo will visit De La Croix Hospital in Jal El Dib to meet staff and patients. He will then travel to the site of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion for a moment of silent reflection.

Later at the Beirut Waterfront, he will preside over a large public Mass. Pope Leo is scheduled to return to Rome later that afternoon.