Watch: Pope Leo's plea for peace in Christmas message

In December 2025, Pope Leo XIV stated that a two-state solution is the "only solution" for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Pope's statement reiterated the Vatican's long-held position on the matter. He made the comments to reporters on a flight to Lebanon. The trip to Lebanon marked the final leg of his first overseas journey as the leader of the Catholic Church. The Pope's remarks highlight the ongoing international interest in resolving the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Pope Leo XIV, on his inaugural international trip to Lebanon in November 2025, called for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking after a visit to Turkey, he suggested Turkey could serve as a mediator, given President Erdogan's relationships with leaders in the region and beyond. This stance aligns with longstanding Vatican policy, which has also criticized Israel's actions in Gaza. The Pope also acknowledged Turkey's efforts to mediate the war in Ukraine and expressed hope that Turkey could help promote dialogue towards a ceasefire. During his time in Turkey, the Pope met with religious leaders and government officials, participating in an ecumenical service at the site of ancient Nicaea.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his first foreign trip, a six-day pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon. The trip concluded in Beirut, a city still recovering from the devastating 2020 port explosion. The Pope paid homage to the victims at the port, offering a silent prayer and lighting a lamp. The visit occurred amidst Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis and heightened security concerns. Eighty journalists, known as VAMPS (Vatican Accredited Media Personnel), from 15 countries covered the trip. The journalists anticipated an in-flight press conference with the Pope on the return flight to Rome, debating potential questions. The trip, originally planned for Pope Francis, included a visit to Turkey before concluding in Lebanon.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his three-day visit to Lebanon on December 2, 2025, by praying at the site of the 2020 Beirut port blast. During his visit, the Pontiff urged Lebanese unity, peace, and justice. He lit a lamp at the memorial for the blast victims, which killed over 220 people and injured 6,500. He also met with survivors and relatives of the victims, offering blessings and words of support. The visit comes as Lebanese citizens continue to seek justice five years after the explosion, amid stalled judicial investigations and widespread frustration over corruption. The Pope's visit and outreach to the blast victims' families was seen as a powerful gesture of support.

On the final day of his three-day visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV prayed at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion and called for justice for the 218 victims. He met with relatives of those killed in the blast, which was caused by the detonation of unsafely stored ammonium nitrate. The Pope expressed solidarity with the families' pursuit of truth and justice, as no one has been held accountable for the disaster. He later celebrated Mass on Beirut's waterfront, addressing an estimated 150,000 people. During the mass, he lamented Lebanon's suffering and appealed for unity among its diverse communities to overcome the country's challenges.

Pope Leo XIV made his maiden papal visit to the Middle East, starting in Lebanon, where he celebrated the country's tradition of interfaith coexistence as a beacon of hope for the region. On Monday, he met with Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Beirut, calling for "the divine gift of peace." The Pope praised Lebanon's religious tolerance, emphasizing its importance to the Catholic Church as a message of freedom. The interfaith meeting, held in Martyr's Square, included hymns and readings from both the Bible and Quran, culminating in the planting of an olive sapling as a symbol of peace. The visit comes at a time of renewed tension for Lebanon, amidst regional conflict and internal political and economic challenges.

Pope Leo XIV recently concluded his first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon, echoing the messages of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The six-day tour, which began on Thanksgiving Day, focused on themes of peace and unity, mirroring Francis's calls for migrant protection, environmental concern, and a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While upholding Francis's commitment to visiting Turkey, Leo's reserved and deliberate style differed significantly from Francis's more spontaneous and sometimes controversial approach. In Turkey, Leo aimed to ease tensions between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and in Lebanon, he offered support amidst the country's challenges. Before being elected pope, Leo was considering retirement.

On December 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV called for unity and coexistence in Lebanon during the second day of his visit. Speaking at Martyrs’ Square in Beirut, a symbolic location that once divided the city's Muslim and Christian sides, he addressed religious leaders from across the country. He emphasized that Lebanon demonstrates the possibility of unity, reconciliation, and peace despite religious differences. The Pope's visit, his first overseas trip, included meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and a visit to religious sites. The visit aims to promote interfaith solidarity amid Lebanon's political and economic challenges.

Pope Leo XIV is visiting Lebanon as part of his first international trip as pontiff, following a stop in Turkey. The visit to Lebanon, his second stop, is significant due to the country's economic crisis, political instability, and declining Christian population, now estimated to be roughly a third of the total. The Pope's schedule includes meetings with political and religious leaders, as well as families affected by the nation's crises. A key event will be his visit to the Port of Beirut, the site of the devastating 2020 explosion. The trip aims to emphasize unity and peace, particularly among Christian communities in the region. The visit occurs during a volatile period, with heightened security concerns and ongoing infrastructure problems.

Pope Leo XIV began his first international trip as pontiff in Turkey on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the aim of promoting interfaith dialogue and Christian cooperation. During his four-day visit, he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and is scheduled to meet with local Catholic clergy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and other Christian leaders. The Pope emphasized the importance of dialogue and compassion, criticizing consumerism and warning of global conflict distracting from important challenges. Following his time in Turkey, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Lebanon to meet with church and government officials, addressing the complex geopolitical situation in the region.

Pope Leo XIV is undertaking his first foreign trip to Turkey and Lebanon, marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The trip is intended to signal solidarity with Christians in regions where the faith once flourished and where they currently face persecution and instability. In Turkey, the Pope will commemorate the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which produced the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief. He issued an apostolic letter emphasizing the Creed's unifying role. The Pope's visit to both countries is seen as a message of support to local Christians and a warning to regional governments regarding religious freedom.

Pope Leo XIV has visited Istanbul's Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, marking his first visit to a Muslim place of worship since becoming pope in May. The Pontiff entered the building bowing and did not pray there, instead undertaking a tour "in a spirit of reflection and listening" with deep respect for the faith of those who gather there. Pope Leo is on a four-day trip to Turkey, following which he will visit Lebanon. This marks the first papal visit to Turkey since 2001. The Blue Mosque, decorated with thousands of blue and turquoise tiles, receives millions of visitors annually. Pope Leo's trip aims to build bridges between faiths, a theme also present in his predecessor Pope Francis's planned but now completed tour.

On November 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque during his trip to Turkiye, which also includes a visit to Lebanon. This marks his first known visit to a Muslim place of worship as the leader of the Catholic Church. The Pope, on his first overseas trip as pontiff, toured the mosque with its imam and the mufti of Istanbul, expressing interest in the atmosphere of the site. While he did not pray, the Vatican stated the visit was undertaken with respect for the mosque and the Muslim faith. The Pope also joked with the mosque's lead muezzin during the 20-minute visit.

Pope Leo XIV struggled to remove a cloth covering plaque during his visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul on Friday. The pontiff was seen attempting to unveil a marble tablet commemorating his trip to Turkey, but the white sheet stubbornly hung to the corner. Church clergy and security staff joined in the tussle as Pope Leo XIV tried to reveal the plaque. The Pope arrived in Turkey on Thursday and will be heading to Beirut, Lebanon's capital, on Sunday. This incident occurred during a significant visit for Pope Leo XIV, who has stated that the future of humanity is at stake due to conflict. The exact reason for the cloth covering remains unclear.

Pope Leo XIV struggled to remove a cloth covering plaque during his visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul on Friday. The pontiff was seen attempting to unveil a marble tablet commemorating his trip to Turkey, but the white sheet stubbornly hung to the corner. Church clergy and security staff joined in the tussle as Pope Leo XIV tried to reveal the plaque. The Pope arrived in Turkey on Thursday and will be heading to Beirut, Lebanon's capital, on Sunday. This incident occurred during a significant visit for Pope Leo XIV, who has stated that the future of humanity is at stake due to conflict. The exact reason for the cloth covering remains unclear.

In November 2025, Pope Leo XIV made his first foreign trip to Turkiye, a visit hailed by minority community representatives as a sign of renewed openness in the Muslim-majority country. During his visit, the Pope met with President Erdogan, religious leaders, and visited places of worship. Representatives from Greek, Armenian, Syriac, and Latin Christian communities see the visit as reflective of a period where historic foundations feel more able to restore properties, organize religious life, and engage with state bodies. These communities, though significantly smaller than in the early 20th century due to historical political tensions and emigration, express renewed confidence and visibility. The Pope's visit is viewed as an honor for Turkiye and important for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Greek community.

In November 2025, Pope Leo XIV made his first foreign trip to Turkiye, a visit hailed by minority community representatives as a sign of renewed openness in the Muslim-majority country. During his visit, the Pope met with President Erdogan, religious leaders, and visited places of worship. Representatives from Greek, Armenian, Syriac, and Latin Christian communities see the visit as reflective of a period where historic foundations feel more able to restore properties, organize religious life, and engage with state bodies. These communities, though significantly smaller than in the early 20th century due to historical political tensions and emigration, express renewed confidence and visibility. The Pope's visit is viewed as an honor for Turkiye and important for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Greek community.