In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his first overseas pilgrimage since assuming the papacy. The historic journey to Turkey and Lebanon marks several significant firsts for the Vatican.
A Pilgrimage of Peace and Precedent
The pilgrimage, which began on Thursday 27th November 2025, represents multiple historic milestones. Most notably, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American pontiff to travel abroad in his official capacity. This journey fulfils ambitions held by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had hoped to make the same visit before health concerns prevented him.
The trip provides the new Pope with a prominent international platform from which to address ongoing conflicts and advocate for peace in the Middle East. His presence in the region signals the Vatican's continued commitment to diplomatic engagement in areas of tension.
Breaking with Vatican Tradition
In a notable departure from long-standing Vatican protocol, Pope Leo XIV will deliver all his addresses in Turkey exclusively in English. During the Lebanese leg of his journey, he will speak in both English and French.
This represents a significant shift from the traditional use of Italian, which has historically been the primary language for papal communications abroad. The move reflects both the Pope's American background and a potential strategic alignment with languages more widely spoken in the regions he's visiting.
The Associated Press has curated a photo gallery documenting this landmark pilgrimage, showcasing sixteen images that capture the historic moments of the first American Pope on foreign soil.
Continuing a Legacy While Forging a New Path
While continuing Pope Francis's unfinished diplomatic work in the region, Pope Leo XIV is simultaneously establishing his own approach to papal diplomacy. The language choice alone demonstrates a willingness to adapt Vatican traditions to contemporary global realities.
This pilgrimage not only honours the intentions of his predecessor but also positions the new Pope as a modern leader capable of bridging cultural and linguistic divides in his peace-building efforts across the Middle East.
