Pope Leo
The papal plane belonging to ETA Airways, which was carrying about 70 journalists from media outlets around the world, took off from Fiumicino Airport in Rome at 7:58 am (6:58 GMT) and landed in Ankara at 12:30 pm. (9:30 AM GMT).
In front of seat 1A occupied by the Pope, is placed the Virgin of the Good Counsel of Genazzano, venerated by the Augustinians and whom Leo XIV went to visit on one of his first departures from the Vatican. Francisco was traveling with the Virgin of Bonaria.
Celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
The reason for the trip is to go to Iznik, ancient Nicaea, to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Christianity.
On this first trip, the American pope will deliver nine sermons, five greetings and two sermons, and will speak English at events and French at Masses.
Upon his arrival, Leo XIV will proceed to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, dedicated to the founder of the modern secular state, and a stop where both Benedict
At 2:10 pm, a welcome ceremony will be held at the Presidential Palace, followed by an important meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where the sensitive situation in the Middle East and mediations to reach a truce in Ukraine will certainly be discussed.
After that, the Pope will meet with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, and on this occasion will deliver his first speech. In the late afternoon, you will depart the capital to fly to Istanbul, where you will continue your journey.
The trip will serve to emphasize “dialogue and unity among Christians, closeness to Catholic communities shaped by centuries of history, affected by tragedies and tensions, and peace, a topic that has deeply concerned the Pope since his first appearance in the world and throughout these seven months of his papacy,” summed up Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.
CP (efe, afpe)