Pope Leo XIV's Upcoming Visit to Turkey and Lebanon: A Geopolitical Test

Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on his first international trip as pontiff, traveling to Turkey and Lebanon for a six-day tour starting on Thanksgiving Day, November twenty-sixth, twenty-twenty-five. This visit occurs just shy of seven months into his papacy, making it a significant moment as he engages with political and religious leaders in a region deeply affected by historical and contemporary conflicts.

In Turkey, he will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and in Lebanon, he will engage with President Joseph Aoun. The choice of Turkey and Lebanon highlights the pope's intention to address pressing geopolitical issues and religious divisions, particularly given the region's historical significance as the cradle of Christianity.

Pope Leo XIV's itinerary includes visits to hospitals and public masses in Istanbul and Beirut, including a Mass at an arena in Istanbul and at the port of Beirut, which suffered from a devastating explosion in twenty-twenty.

This inaugural trip underscores the Vatican's commitment to fostering dialogue and peace, as emphasized by the pope during his first Sunday address in May, where he called for an end to violence and a pursuit of harmony among different faiths.

Scholars, such as Fiona McCallum Guiney, note that the pope's travels reflect an effort to build bridges between various branches of Christianity amidst ongoing religious strife. The historical ties to Christianity in the region, particularly Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, which served as the capital of the Roman and Byzantine empires, are crucial for understanding the significance of this trip.

The meeting with key political figures and religious leaders will test Pope Leo XIV's diplomatic skills and further reflect the Vatican's role in international relations.