Pope Leo XIV Visits Turkey and Lebanon, Emphasizes Faith and Respect

Pope Leo XIV marked his first foreign visit as pontiff with a trip to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2, 2025. During this significant journey, he emphasized the importance of respect and faith while engaging with diverse religious traditions.

Upon visiting the historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the pope displayed a gesture of respect by removing his shoes, a customary practice in mosques. While he declined an invitation to join the imam in prayer, he participated in a moment of silent contemplation, reflecting on the values of the venue. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that the pope approached the visit with “deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.”

This visit follows in the footsteps of previous popes, including Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, both of whom engaged in silent prayers at the Blue Mosque. Benedict bowed his head in reverence, while Francis prayed with his eyes closed, hands clasped in front of him.

In addition to his mosque visit, Pope Leo commemorated the 1,700-year anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea on November 28. This event, held near the ruins of the ancient basilica in modern-day İznik, served as a platform for the pope to address the ongoing “violence and conflict” around the world. He encouraged reflection on the significance of Jesus Christ in contemporary life, urging individuals to consider who he is personally for them.

As the pope continued his tour, he arrived in Lebanon to a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Videos captured scenes of celebration, with crowds dressed in traditional clothing, dancing, and playing drums as they greeted him. Some attendees joyfully threw brown rice onto his vehicle as it approached the presidential palace, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Lebanon.

On December 1, during his second day in Lebanon, Pope Leo offered words of hope to Christians amidst challenging circumstances. He highlighted the Virgin Mary as a figure of faith, encouraging believers to hold onto hope, even when surrounded by conflict. “Our faith is an anchor in heaven,” he stated, adding, “Hold fast to the rope.”

The pope’s visit has drawn mixed reactions, particularly regarding his attendance at the Blue Mosque before laying a wreath at the grave of Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Critics have pointed out Atatürk’s role in the historical decline of Christian communities in Anatolia, with some expressing concern over the implications of his visit.

Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon underscores his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and respect while addressing the pressing issues facing Christians today. His gestures of solidarity and calls for reflection resonate as he navigates the complexities of faith in a diverse world.