Pope Leo XIV Visits Turkey and Lebanon, Promotes Faith and Unity

Pope Leo XIV undertook his inaugural foreign trip as pontiff, traveling to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2, 2025. During his visit to the historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the pope made headlines by respectfully removing his shoes but declined to join in Islamic prayers led by the mosque’s imam. Video footage captured Leo engaging with mosque guides, reinforcing a spirit of dialogue and respect between faiths.

The Vatican had previously indicated that the pope would observe a “brief moment of silent prayer” during his visit. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni emphasized that the pope approached his time at the mosque with a spirit of contemplation and deep respect for the faith of those who gather there. This contrasts with the actions of his predecessors; both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis participated in silent prayers at the Blue Mosque, with Benedict bowing his head beside an imam and Francis praying with his eyes closed.

Pope Commemorates Significant Historical Events

Before his visit to Istanbul, Pope Leo celebrated a prayer service on November 29 marking the 1,700-year anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, held near the ruins of the ancient basilica in İznik, modern-day Nicaea. In a statement from the Vatican, Leo addressed the “violence and conflict” present in the world today and called it a “precious opportunity” to reflect on the role of Jesus Christ in personal lives.

As the pope continued his tour, he received a warm welcome upon arriving in Lebanon, where crowds gathered despite the rain. A video shared by One TV showed people joyfully throwing brown rice at his vehicle as he approached the presidential palace, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of Lebanon. The streets were filled with vibrant displays, with attendees dressed in traditional clothing, dancing, and playing drums.

On his second day in Lebanon, the pope offered words of encouragement to Christians, stating that they can maintain hope “even when surrounded by the sound of weapons.” He urged them to look to the Virgin Mary as a symbol of faith in uncertain times, declaring, “Our faith is an anchor in heaven. Hold fast to the rope.”

Controversy Surrounds Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Pope Leo’s visit has not been without its controversies. He faced criticism for visiting the Blue Mosque before laying a wreath at the grave of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Some commentators have noted that Atatürk’s policies contributed to the decline of ancient Christian communities in Anatolia.

Throughout his visit, Pope Leo XIV has focused on fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting a message of unity and hope. As he continues his journey in the region, the significance of his actions resonates deeply within both Christian and Muslim communities, emphasizing the shared values of peace and respect among different faiths.