By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL- Preparations are underway in Ankara, Istanbul and Iznik for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to those cities on his first official foreign trip since taking office. The pope chose Turkiye for its historical significance in Christian history as well as it being a hub for the three major religions – Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Turkiye is also significant because it’s the center of a multitude of religious sites throughout the country with Iznik being the site of the formation of the Ecumenical Council in 325 A.D. which the Pope will be commemorating later in his trip. Pope Leo arrives in Ankara on November 27 for a six-day visit and will first be welcomed with multiple formal and symbolic ceremonies. His first stop in Ankara will be to visit Anitkabir, Ataturk’s Mausoleum. Then there will also be an official reception at the Presidential Complex and a state-level meeting with President Erdogan. This will be followed by meetings with members of civil society, state officials and representatives as well as diplomats.
The pope’s second stop will be in Istanbul where the pope may take part in some public, liturgical events. It is expected that he will also visit a number of historical and religious sites in Istanbul as well. According to the Vatican Press, the main focus and highlight of the pope’s trip will be the commemoration event in Iznik on Friday, November 28, where he will be joined by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, one of early Christianity’s most important events. Also, in attendance at this event will be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Management and Resources Michael Rigas who is on an official trip to Turkiye, Iraq and Israel. The Vatican Press stated that the Nicaea event is symbolic for Christian unity with the theme of “One faith.”The Holy See Press Office Director, Matteo Brun said the pope’s pilgrimage to Turkiye and Beirut, Lebanon carries a strong ecumenical message and puts interreligious dialogue as the primary focus. Brun added that it will also be an opportunity of closeness for Christian communities and local populations throughout the region. Brun said that “all necessary security measures have been taken.” Press sources reported that security is at its highest especially in Iznik where the pope will spearhead commemoration ceremonies. His trip is expected to conclude on December 2 in Lebanon.
