Pope Leo XIV will embark on his inaugural foreign trip next month, visiting Turkey and Lebanon, as announced by the Vatican on Tuesday. This journey, scheduled from November 27 to December 2, 2023, holds significant meaning for both Christian and Muslim communities, as it follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had planned a similar visit.
The Pope’s itinerary includes a pilgrimage to Iznik, Turkey, to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. This council, held in 325 A.D., is recognized as Christianity’s first ecumenical council and is pivotal in fostering relations between Catholic and Orthodox churches. Pope Francis had expressed intentions to attend the anniversary during a planned trip to Turkey in May, but his passing in April postponed those plans. Upon his election, Leo XIV committed to fulfilling this important initiative.
The announcement of the Pope’s visit coincides with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas in southern Israel, providing Leo with an opportunity to address peace in the Middle East and the challenges facing Christians in the region. He has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Lebanon, a nation with a population of about 6 million, is home to the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and holds the distinction of being the only Arab country with a Christian head of state. President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon confirmed the Pope’s visit on social media, although the detailed itinerary is yet to be released.
The country has faced significant political and economic turmoil, compounded by ongoing tensions with Israel. Following a two-year political vacuum, the formation of a new reformist government has raised hopes for recovery. Yet, persistent instability and the threat of civil conflict linger, particularly regarding the militant group Hezbollah, which remains a focal point in Lebanese politics and security.
Patriarch Bechara Boutros Raï, head of Lebanon’s Maronite Church, expressed optimism regarding the Pope’s visit, stating, “We hope that this apostolic visit to Lebanon will bring peace and stability and be a sign of unity for all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, at this critical stage in our nation’s history.”
The last papal visit to Lebanon occurred in September 2012, when Pope Benedict XVI traveled to the country. A significant proportion of Lebanon’s population, estimated at around one-third, identifies as Christian, although official statistics have not been updated since 1932.
The upcoming trip arrives as Israel observes the recent anniversary of violent attacks, raising sensitivities regarding the Vatican’s stance on the situation. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, has faced scrutiny for comments made regarding the violence on both sides of the conflict. His remarks, which condemned the “inhuman massacre” perpetrated by Hamas while also criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompted a response from the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See. The embassy asserted that Parolin’s comments risk undermining efforts to promote peace and combat rising antisemitism.
The Vatican’s diplomatic approach aims to maintain neutrality while addressing complex issues in the region. As Pope Leo XIV prepares for this significant journey, the hope remains that it will foster dialogue and reconciliation among diverse communities in Turkey and Lebanon.
