Pope Leo XIV will visit Turkey at the end of November, SIR (Servizio Informazione Religiosa) reported, citing Vatican information.
The first pope from the United States in history will be in Turkey from November 27 to 30, before heading to Lebanon, where he will stay from November 30 to December 2.
The pope has accepted invitations from the heads of state and church authorities of both countries, the Holy See press service announced. This will be the first apostolic journey of Leo XIV's pontificate.
During the Turkish leg of the trip, special importance will be given to the pilgrimage to Iznik. This visit is dedicated to the celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which took place in 325 AD in ancient Nicaea, on the site of modern Iznik. This Council is one of the most important events in the history of Christianity.