Pope heads to Lebanon, Turkey in debut overseas trip amid heightened Mideast tensions

Source: France 24 [French state media]

Pope Leo XIV embarks on his debut overseas trip Thursday, travelling to Turkey and Lebanon to promote Christian unity and urge peace efforts amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The six-day trip is the first major international test for the US pope, who was elected head of the Catholic Church in May and whose understated style contrasts with that of his charismatic and impulsive predecessor, Francis. In Turkey, Leo will celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where the Creed – a foundational declaration of the Christian faith – was written.” (11/24/25)

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251124-pope-heads-to-turkey-lebanon-in-first-overseas-trip