Pope Leo takes message of peace to Middle East on first foreign visit

Thursday, November 27, 2025 -When Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first international trip as leader of the Catholic Church, he chose Türkiye and Lebanon — a deeply symbolic journey to deliver a message of peace, unity, and hope to a region beset by conflict.

In Ankara, Pope Leo called on Türkiye to act as a “bridge between peoples” — a source of stability and dialogue — at a time when international tensions remain high. 

He warned that ongoing global conflicts risk pushing humanity toward what he described as a “piecemeal” third world war, urging leaders to commit to reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace.

As his mission moves into Lebanon, Pope Leo aims to foster Christian‑Muslim dialogue and support Lebanon’s Christian communities — many of whom have suffered deeply amid regional upheaval. His visit sends a clear signal: even in turbulent times, there is room for hope, solidarity, and a shared commitment to coexistence.