The plane carrying Pope Leo
After the official welcome ceremony at Ankara International Airport, his first activity was to visit the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, where he signed the book of honor accompanied by the official delegation consisting of the Minister, Deputy Governor and Commander of the Mausoleum.
The monument is of great importance to Turks because it pays tribute to the founder of modern Türkiye and symbolizes the birth, modernization and secularism of the nation.
The Supreme Pontiff is also scheduled to visit Beirut, accompanied by a large group of 81 journalists.
Specifically, the trip began with greeting representatives of the international media who were accompanying him on his “Hajj journey” through the Middle East. He told them: “We hope to announce, convey and announce how important peace is throughout the world. Regardless of any differences, we are all brothers and sisters. Happy Thanksgiving to the Americans present here! It is a wonderful day to celebrate and I want to begin by thanking each one of you for the service you provide to the Vatican, to the Holy See and to me, but also to the entire world.”
The Pope was seen smiling as he spoke in English in front of journalists, photographers and photographers from about 20 international agencies who accompanied him on his first trip, according to what was reported by the Vatican News Agency.
The first international journey of Leo XIV begins under the slogan of martyrdom and encounter. “The Successor of Peter travels to the Middle East to confirm the faith and bring the beauty of Christ that will save all of humanity,” the memo issued by the above-mentioned media stated.
According to that report, “the expectations of the Catholic communities, and not only of them, in both countries on the two continents” that have not yet been freed from wars and violence, are great. He adds: “But there they are able to build paths of dialogue, welcome and peace, often despite great suffering and contradictions.”
The slogans chosen for the visit are “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” and “Blessed are those who work for peace.”
The trip to Turkey will focus on the ecumenical celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, while on the second visit one of the most emotional moments will be the “silent prayer” at the port of Beirut, where five years ago an explosion killed more than 200 people and injured nearly 7,000.