Pope Leo's Big Trip: What's on His Agenda?

Pope Leo is making his first international trip since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. He's heading to Turkey and Lebanon, and the world is watching to see what he'll say. This is a significant moment as it's his first opportunity to address global issues on an international stage.

Why Turkey?

Pope Leo chose Turkey for a reason. It's a predominantly Muslim country but also the site of a crucial church meeting that created the Nicene Creed, still used by many Christians today. This makes it a highly meaningful destination for his visit.

Busy Schedule Ahead

• Ankara: Pope Leo will start in Turkey's capital, meeting the president and engaging with political leaders.
• Istanbul: He'll then travel to Istanbul to meet Patriarch Bartholomew, the leader of the Orthodox Christians. The two groups, which split centuries ago, have been working on improving relations.
• Iznik: An interesting stop is Iznik, where the Nicene Creed was created. Pope Leo will speak in English, a departure from the usual Italian used by previous popes.

On to Lebanon

After Turkey, Pope Leo will visit Lebanon, a country with a significant Christian population but facing severe challenges, including violence, economic hardship, and a large refugee population. His visit is hoped to bring attention to these pressing issues.

Safety Concerns

Safety is a major concern, especially following recent violence. However, the Vatican assures that all necessary precautions are being taken. Many in Lebanon hope that Pope Leo's visit will bring peace and possibly international support.