Pope Leo embarked on his first apostolic journey last week. It was a highly anticipated affair. On Thursday, November 27, the Pope flew to Ankara, Turkey, landing around midday. Footage of his official arrival shows him meeting with many of the country's authorities, including the president, President Erdoğan.
There were several spiritual and diplomatic moments for us to highlight during this busy journey.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea with Bartholomew I of Constantinople, at the exact location where the Council happened.
He also visited the mausoleum of Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, a move which underscores his desire for dialogue with contemporary Turkish society.
The people of Lebanon meanwhile welcomed the Pope in unique fashion, starting with a fighter pilot escort as he entered the Lebanese airspace. Children dressed in traditional attire offered him flowers, bread, and water, symbols of hospitality and fraternity.
In Lebanon, some of the most moving scenes show the Pope among bouyant crowds, greeting the faithful, clergy, and seminarians, and offering them words of hope. He also visited the tomb of St. Charbel, a much-loved figure among the Lebanese faithful.
He was greeteed with a spontaneous ovation at the Maronite shrine of Harissa, reflecting the joy of the Lebanese people hosting him. Hundreds of thousands, young and old, gathered to hear him in Beirut.
Pope Leo XIV on his first apostolic journey: sights and scenes for the history books.
