Pope Leo XIV Embarks on Historic First Overseas Pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon

12:57 AM, 11/28/2025

Pope Leo XIV will make history as the first American pope to travel overseas, visiting Turkey and Lebanon. The trip fulfills plans Pope Francis had hoped to carry out before his health declined and provides Leo with a prominent platform to call for peace in the Middle East. Marking a shift from the Vatican’s customary use of Italian, the pope will speak in English in Turkey and in both English and French in Lebanon. A curated photo gallery captures the key moments of this landmark pilgrimage.

Pope Leo XIV will become the first American pontiff to travel abroad when he visits Turkey and Lebanon. The trip fulfills a journey Pope Francis had hoped to undertake before his health declined and gives Leo a prominent platform to advocate for peace across the Middle East.

In a notable linguistic shift from the Vatican’s traditional use of Italian, Pope Leo XIV will address audiences exclusively in English while in Turkey and in both English and French during his time in Lebanon. The choice reflects an emphasis on direct communication and outreach to diverse communities, including Lebanon’s significant Francophone population.

Why the trip matters

This pilgrimage is both symbolic and substantive: it underscores the Vatican’s continued engagement in the region and gives the pope a high-profile stage to urge dialogue and reconciliation. The itinerary is expected to include public liturgies, meetings with political and religious leaders, and engagements with local Catholic communities.

Photo gallery

This photo gallery, curated by photo editors, highlights key moments from the journey — from official welcomes to pastoral visits — offering a visual record of the pope’s first overseas mission. Browse the images to see how the trip combines ceremonial tradition with a modern emphasis on international outreach and peace-building.

Pope Leo XIV Embarks on Historic First Overseas Pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon

Why the trip matters

Photo gallery

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