Pope Leo to visit Türkiye on Thursday

ISTANBUL

Vatican head of state and spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIV, will arrive in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday.

Just nearly seven months after assuming the papacy, Pope Leo XIV – the first pope in history to come from the United States – will embark on his first international trip, beginning with a six-day visit to Türkiye and Lebanon.

Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the apostolic journey will include stops in Ankara, Istanbul, and Beirut, as well as a significant visit to Iznik (ancient Nicaea) to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

Turkish Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said in a statement on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal that Pope Leo XIV will pay an official visit to Türkiye on Nov. 27-30 at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Duran said the talks will address bilateral relations between Türkiye and the Vatican as well as current regional and global developments, particularly the situation in Palestine.