Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to make his first apostolic visit outside of Italy from November 27 to December 2, 2025, to Türkiye and Lebanon
The trip’s key moments include commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey, visiting the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf in Lebanon as well as celebrating Mass, and offering a message of peace to the region.
The announced itinerary is as follows (exact dates and times are yet to be announced):
Turkey (Türkiye): November 27–30:
Meet with Turkish authorities in Ankara.
Travel to Istanbul to meet with Catholic clergy and visit the Blue Mosque.
Visit İznik (ancient Nicaea) to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
There is also a planned ecumenical meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Lebanon November 30–December 2:
Meet with Lebanese leaders in Beirut.
Pray at the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf at Saint Maron-Annaya Monastery.
Participate in an interreligious gathering at Martyrs’ Square.
Celebrate Mass at the Beirut Waterfront.
Offer a moment of silent prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion