Pope Leo XIV has officially begun his first Apostolic Journey, departing from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 7:58 a.m. on Thursday aboard an ITA Airways Airbus A320neo bound for Ankara, Türkiye. The aircraft featured an image of Our Mother of Good Counsel, a Marian devotion cherished by the Augustinians. The Pope has held this title close to his heart, having visited the historic Genazzano shrine just two days after his election.
The Apostolic Journey will take the Holy Father to Türkiye and Lebanon, symbolizing a mission of unity, dialogue, and peace in a region marked by cultural richness and ongoing tension.
First Day in Türkiye
Pope Leo XIV’s first stop is Ankara, where he will visit the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye. He will then proceed to the Presidential Palace for an official welcome, followed by a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and an address to civil authorities and the diplomatic corps.
From there, the Pope will fly to Istanbul, where he will stay at the Apostolic Nunciature for the remainder of his time in Türkiye before continuing his journey to Lebanon.
The visit marks a significant early milestone in Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, highlighting his commitment to fostering peace and strengthening interreligious and diplomatic ties.
Credit/Vatican News
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