"Pope Leo's debut overseas trip will be to Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace across the Middle East, the Vatican has announced. Leo, who was elected pontiff in May after the death of Pope Francis, will visit Turkey between 27 and 30 November and Lebanon from 30 November until 2 December. Matteo Bruni, the Vatican's spokesperson, said on Tuesday the pontiff had accepted the invitation of the heads of state and ecclesiastical authorities in Turkey and Lebanon."
"Leo, the first North American pope, is expected to speak about the struggles of Christians across the region and appeal for peace. The pontiff said on Sunday that he hoped a plan to end the war in Gaza would soon reach the desired results. Leo's role in pushing for peace in Gaza has become more prominent since Israel's strike on Gaza's only Catholic church in July, killing three people and injuring 10 others, including the parish priest."
"Bruni said the trip to Turkey would include a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world's 260 million Orthodox Christians, for celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of a major early church council, which took place in Nicaea, now called Iznik. The itinerary of the apostolic journey to Lebanon will be announced in due course, Bruni added. The late Pope Francis, who made more than 40 overseas trips during his 12-year papacy, had also planned to visit both countries this year but was prevented from doing so due to poor health."
Pope Leo will travel to Turkey from 27 to 30 November and to Lebanon from 30 November to 2 December to press for peace across the Middle East. He accepted invitations from heads of state and ecclesiastical authorities in both countries. The pontiff is expected to address the struggles of Christians in the region and advocate for an end to the war in Gaza. The Turkey visit will include a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew and celebrations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the council of Nicaea in Iznik. Details of the Lebanon itinerary will follow.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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