Rome — Pope Leo XIV is set to undertake his inaugural foreign trip with a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon beginning Thursday. This visit marks a pivotal moment for the newly elected pope, as he aims to promote themes of dialogue and unity, crucial to his early pontificate.

Such international travels fall within the papacy’s broader “soft power” approach, facilitating interactions with political leaders, engaging local Catholic communities, and drawing global attention to pressing regional issues. This visit, particularly to Lebanon, takes on added significance with the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and recent military actions in the region.

The pope’s decision to visit is seen as an effort to reinforce his messages of reconciliation and peace. Shortly after his election, he emphasized the notion of harmony with his opening words: “Peace be with you all.” As tensions rise in the Middle East, this trip serves to amplify those sentiments.

Echoing the actions taken by his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo is following a tradition of papal visits aimed at fostering peace in tumultuous areas like South Sudan and Central Africa. Previous visits to Turkey and the Holy Land by Francis underscored similar objectives. By undertaking this journey during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Leo underscores themes of gratitude and togetherness amidst global strife.

During his time in Turkey and Lebanon, the pope will engage with various religious leaders and communities, aiming to bridge divides among different branches of Christianity. Notably, he will deliver addresses in English and French—an intentional shift from the traditional Italian—and demonstrate his commitment to interfaith dialogue. This is particularly important in Turkey, home to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a key figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The Vatican has a long history of diplomacy in the Middle East, and Leo’s visit pays homage to commitments made by Francis in 2022. Both Turkey and Lebanon have formally extended invitations for this visit, which is poised to serve as a platform for aging theological controversies to be set aside in favor of unity.

In Turkey, Leo will celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in Christian history. This gathering in Iznik will include Patriarch Bartholomew and other Christian leaders, reinforcing shared Christian beliefs and calling for a renewed focus on environmental issues, given Bartholomew’s reputation as the “Green Patriarch.”

As the first American pope, Leo’s itinerary includes visits to sites of historical and cultural significance, such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul—marking a notable moment as he engages with Islamic culture. Despite abstaining from visiting the Hagia Sophia, which was converted back into a mosque in 2020, he is expected to partake in various interfaith gatherings aimed at fostering peace and mutual respect.

The pope’s schedule also includes significant events in Lebanon, where he will meet with political leaders and religious figures, including members from the country’s diverse Christian communities. His visit will culminate in a Mass along the Beirut waterfront, and he intends to pay tribute to the victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion—an event that still resonates deeply in the nation.

The atmosphere surrounding Leo’s visit is charged with anticipation, as he seeks to offer a message of hope and solidarity to those enduring hardship in both Turkey and Lebanon. The pope’s emphasis on inclusivity and dialogue will resonate amid the complex tapestry of religious and cultural identities in these nations, where various faiths coexist and interact.