Vatican city: The Vatican State Press Office has detailed the itinerary for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural foreign visit to Turkey and Lebanon, scheduled for November 27 to December 2.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Pope’s journey will commence in Ankara, Turkey, on November 27, where he will engage in official meetings before traveling to Istanbul later that evening. On November 28, the Pope is set to visit Iznik in Bursa, known as Nicaea, to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in Christian history.

Continuing his visit on November 29, Pope Leo XIV will explore the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, and engage with local Christian communities in Istanbul. The day will conclude with a Mass at the Volkswagen Arena.

The Pope’s itinerary includes a trip to Beirut, Lebanon, on November 30. In Beirut, he will hold discussions with officials and religious figures. His visit will also include a hospital tour and a visit to the site of the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to return to Rome on December 2 after concluding his visit. This trip marks the fifth papal visit to Turkey, with previous visits by Pope Francis in 2014, Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Paul VI in 1967.