The official program has been announced for the first apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV, spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of Vatican City State, scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 2, 2025.
The official program for Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey, which will take place between 27 November and 2 December 2025, has been released.
Ahead of his official visit to Türkiye on 27 November, further details about the program of Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of the Vatican City State, continue to be shared with the public.
During his first official trip abroad, Pope Leo XIV will visit the remains of the ancient basilica submerged in Lake İznik, believed to be the site of the First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD. The official program for the Pope’s first apostolic journey, covering Türkiye and Lebanon, was announced by the Vatican Press Office.
According to the Vatican statement, Pope Leo XIV, who was elected as the new spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in May, will make Türkiye his first destination abroad, followed by a visit to Lebanon.
The Pope’s Program
According to the program released by the Vatican Press Office, the Pope will arrive first in Ankara on 27 November. After paying his respects at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, he will hold official meetings. Following his meeting with the President of Türkiye, he will travel to Istanbul in the evening.
On 28 November, in the morning, Pope Leo XIV will visit the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Harbiye. Later, he will travel from Istanbul to İznik, where he will attend the 1700th anniversary celebrations of the First Council of Nicaea, a key event in Christian history.
On 29 November, the Pope will visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the “Blue Mosque”) and then meet with Christian communities in Istanbul. He is also expected to celebrate Mass at Volkswagen Arena later that day.
On 30 November, Pope Leo XIV will attend a Mass at the Virgin Mary Patriarchal Church in Kumkapı. At midday, he will meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I before departing from Istanbul to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.
In Beirut, the Pope will meet with state and religious authorities. On the final day of his visit, he is scheduled to visit a hospital and later the Port of Beirut, the site of the devastating August 4, 2020 explosion.
The Pope is expected to conclude his meetings in Beirut on 2 December in the evening and then return to Rome.
