Pope Leo XIV Asks for Prayers Ahead of His Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon

Pope Leo's Call for Prayer at the General Audience

This Wednesday's General Audience was concerted as an occasion for Pope Leo to have one of his last public events before his Apostolic Journey to Turkey and Lebanon, which begins on Thursday. During his reflection at the conclusion of the audience, he noted how excited he is about going to Turkey and Lebanon, which he called "two countries filled with so much history and spirituality".

From this visit (first mentioned earlier), he hopes to recognize the 1,700 year anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, where two events meet Catholics, who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to visit other religions.

The Pope concluded his reflections by requesting his audience "to join me in your prayers.

The Apostolic Journey Itinerary

The Pope will land in Turkey at mid-day on 3 September for the first part of his Apostolic Mission to Turkey and Lebanon – he will first have an audience with the Turkish President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, before addressing a group of Turkish dignitaries.

On Friday, in Nicaea, present-day İznik, the Pope is scheduled to take part in an ecumenical prayer service commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the inaugural Ecumenical Council.

He will celebrate mass (solemn entrance) Saturday at the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul; he will then fly to Lebanon Sunday after Mass where he will meet with local government officials, Church leaders, representatives of the various faiths and youth groups.

On Tuesday, he is set to celebrate a public Mass at the Beirut Waterfront prior to his return to Rome, where his arrival is anticipated around 4:00 PM.

Cardinal Parolin on the Pope's Mission

Cardinal Parolin: The Pope serves as a 'messenger of harmony, dialogue, and peace in the Middle East.'

"Persevere and demonstrate fortitude."

Cardinal Parolin told Vatican News before the Papal visit that Türkiye is the “cradle of Christianity” and “home to some of the first Christian communities”.

Speaking about how "The Council of Nicaea" has given the foundation of our faith centered around improving our belief of God as One and Three, Christ as Fully Human and Fully Divine, Cardinal Parolin thus feels that he hares "moved forward in order to solve the cases of Lebanon.”

A Message of Encouragement for Lebanon

As the Cardinal said, "You have a president, a government and now are going through reforms". There are however "numerous ongoing problems, delays, obstacles" that "may hinder, may bring disappointment to your people's expectations". To this end the Cardinal said that the Pope's message would "give you encouragement" to "continue on your way with perseverance, courage and determination".