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The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will make his first official trip abroad to Türkiye on Nov. 27–30 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and religious authorities, and that he will also travel to Iznik for events marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.
The Holy See added that the Pope will then head to Lebanon on Nov. 30–Dec. 2 before returning to Rome.
Iznik, historically known as Nicaea, is the city associated with the First Council of Nicaea, whose 1700th year is being observed in 2025. The Pope’s stop there will be part of the Türkiye program during the Nov. 27–30 visit.
The trip had been widely discussed since former Pope Francis said in 2024 that he wished to go to Türkiye for the Nicaea anniversary in 2025.
Following Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, attention turned to whether his successor would proceed. After his election on May 8, Pope Leo XIV told reporters on May 12, when asked about the Iznik plan, “I know. We are preparing.”
According to the Vatican statement, the Pope will continue from Türkiye to Lebanon, with the second leg set for Nov. 30–Dec. 2.
With this journey, Pope Leo XIV will become the fifth pontiff to visit Türkiye.
Earlier visits were made by Pope Francis in 2014, Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Paul VI in 1967.
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