Pope Leo XIV departs on a journey to Turkey and Lebanon to mark the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and to support the Christian community in Lebanon.

Pope Leo XIV begins his first foreign trip, a pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon, in a context marked by tensions in the Middle East. This visit, initially planned by Pope Francis, aims to mark 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, where Leo will sign a joint declaration with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing Christian unity. In Lebanon, the Pope will support the Christian community and address calls for justice following the devastating explosion at the port of Beirut in 2020. The trip is covered by US and international media, and the Pope will speak in English and French, departing from the traditional Italian. The Pope is also expected to discuss peace in the Middle East and Catholic-Muslim relations, considering the Vatican's support for Palestinians. Although security is a concern, organizers are confident in the Pope's safety. An important moment will be the prayer at the site of the explosion in Beirut, where it is hoped that the Pope will call for accountability from Lebanese political leaders. This visit is seen as a sign of solidarity for the Lebanese, especially for the youth, who are facing a profound economic and social crisis.