First Apostolic Journey of his Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Türkiye and Lebanon.
27 November – 2 December 2025
« This particular trip to Turkey and to Lebanon has, as you know, first of all, the very meaning of unity celebrating 1700 years from the Council of Nicaea. (…) And I very much have been looking forward to this trip because of what it means for all Christians. But it’s also a great message to the whole world and in a special way, with the presence of myself, of the Church, of believers in both Turkey and in Lebanon. We hope to also announce, transmit and proclaim how is important peace throughout the world. And to invite all people to come together to search for greater unity, greater harmony, and to look for the ways that all men and women can truly be brothers and sisters. In spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs, that we are all brothers and sisters, and to hopefully be a part of promoting peace, unity throughout the world. »
These words addressed to journalists by Pope Leo XIV marked the beginning of his first apostolic journey.
The motto of the trip to Türkiye: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism”. Its objective: to promote fraternity, dialogue and unity between Christians, particularly between the East and the West.
The motto of the trip to Lebanon: « Blessed are the peacemakers. »
We share with you ten short extracts from his speeches, like pearls of wisdom. May reading them encourage us this Advent season, as we strive to build bridges and work for peace, wherever we are.
« When we look with God’s eyes, we discover that he has chosen the way of littleness, descending into our midst. This is the way of the Lord, to which we are all called to bear witness. The prophets announce God’s promise by speaking of a small shoot that will spring forth (cf. Is 11:1). Jesus praises the little ones who trust in him (cf. Mk 10:13–16). He teaches that God’s kingdom does not impose itself with displays of power (cf. Lk 17:20–21), but grows like the smallest of all the seeds planted in the earth (cf. Mk 4:31). This logic of littleness is the Church’s true strength. » (1)
« The more we are reconciled, the more we Christians can bear credible witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is a proclamation of hope for all. Moreover, it is a message of peace and universal fraternity that transcends the boundaries of our communities and nations.
Today, the whole of humanity afflicted by violence and conflict is crying out for reconciliation. The desire for full communion among all believers in Jesus Christ is always accompanied by the search for fraternity among all human beings. » (2)
« We journey as if on a bridge that connects earth to Heaven, a bridge that the Lord has built for us. Let us always keep our eyes fixed on both shores, so that we may love God and our brothers and sisters with all our hearts in order to journey together and find ourselves one day united in the house of the Father. » (3)
« Indeed, peace is a gift that comes from God and which, above all, dwells in our hearts. It is like an interior motion pushing outwards, enabling us to let ourselves be guided by a melody greater than ourselves, namely that of divine love. Those who dance move lightly, without trampling on the earth, harmonizing their steps with those of others. So it is with peace, which is a journey inspired by the Spirit, and causes our hearts to listen, making them more attentive and respectful towards others. » (4)
« What does Saint Charbel teach us today? What is the legacy of this man who wrote nothing, who lived a hidden and silent life, yet whose fame spread throughout the world ?
I would like to offer the following summary of his legacy. The Holy Spirit formed him so that he could teach those who live without God how to pray, those who live immersed in noise how to be silent, those who live ostentatiously how to be modest, and those who seek riches how to be poor. All of these behaviors are counter-cultural, yet, that is precisely why they attract us, just like fresh, pure water draws those walking in the desert. » (5)
« Pope Francis (…) said : “Our faith is an anchor in heaven. We have anchored our life in heaven. What must we do ? Hold fast to the rope… And we go forward because we are certain that our life is anchored in heaven, on the shore where we will arrive”. If we wish to build peace we must anchor ourselves to heaven and, firmly set in that direction, let us love without being afraid of losing those things which pass away and let us give without measure. » (6)
« True dialogue and collaboration is rooted in love – the only foundation for peace, justice and reconciliation. This dialogue, inspired by divine love, should embrace all people of goodwill, reject prejudice, discrimination and persecution, and affirm the equal dignity of every human being. » (7)
« In a world of distractions and vanity, take time each day to close your eyes and look only to God. He sometimes seems silent or absent, but he reveals himself to those who seek him in silence. . (…) “Enthusiasm” means “having God in your soul.” When the Lord dwells in us, the hope he gives us bears fruit in the world. In fact, hope is a “poor” virtue, because it presents itself empty-handed; its hands are always free to open doors that seem to be closed due to fatigue, pain or disappointment. » (8)
« Be artisans of peace, heralds of peace, witnesses of peace!
The Middle East needs new approaches, in order to reject the mindset of revenge and violence, to overcome political, social and religious divisions, and to open new chapters in the name of reconciliation and peace. The path of mutual hostility and destruction in the horror of war has been traveled too long, with the deplorable results that are before everyone’s eyes. We need to change course, we need to educate our hearts for peace. » (9)
« We must recognize that armed struggle brings no benefit. While weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive. Let us all choose peace as a way, and not just as a goal ! » (10)
References:
1. Prayer meeting with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated persons, Pastoral workers – Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Istanbul), 28 November 2025.
2. Ecumenical prayer service near the archaeologial excavations of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos – Iznik, 28 November 2025.
3. Mass for the First Sunday of Advent, homily of the Holy Father Leo XIV – « Volkswagen Arena » – Istanbul, 29 November 2025.
4. Meeting with the Authorities, representatives of Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps – Presidential Palace (Beirut), 30 November 2025.
5. Visit and prayer at the tomb of Saint Charbel Makluf – Monastery of Saint Maroun (Annaya), 1st December 2025.
6. Meeting with Bishops, Priests, Consecrated me and women and Pastoral Workers – Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon (Harissa), 1st December 2025.
7. Ecumenical and Interreligious Meeting – Martyrs’ Square (Beirut), 1st December 2025.
8. Meeting with young people – Square in front of the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch (Bkerké), 1st December 2025.
9. Holy Mass, homily of Pope Leo XIV – « Beirut Waterfront » (Beirut), 2 Decembre 2025.
10. Farewell ceremony – Beirut International Airport, 2 Decembre 2025.
If you wish to read all the Holy Father’s speeches, click here