During the first apostolic journey of his pontificate, which will take him to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2, 2025, Leo XIV will encounter two very different realities with regard to the local Catholic communities.
Although a tiny minority in Turkey and less than half the population of Lebanon, the Church in these countries perseveres in the face of great difficulties.
Here’s an overview based on official figures from the Vatican's Central Statistics Office published ahead of the trip.
In Turkey, the Catholic community is estimated at 33,000 members. It represents a minority of just 0.04% of the population of 85.8 million. There are about 10 bishops in the country, and 76 priests — diocesan and religious — serve 40 parishes spread across seven ecclesiastical districts. In addition, there are about 10 seminarians.
The Catholic Church runs 24 schools with a total of about 7,000 students. In the field of health, it runs about 15 institutions, including hospitals, orphanages, and retirement homes. The Church’s modest figures there also include 56 catechists, two deacons, and about 40 nuns.
Catholics in Turkey represent various Churches (Latin, Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac, Byzantine). Although the Turkish Constitution recognizes freedom of worship, Christian communities face various difficulties, according to the Vatican. In particular, the fact that the Catholic Church does not enjoy legal recognition has consequences for its assets and property and for the status of the clergy.
Tricky counting in Lebanon
In Lebanon, the Vatican's Central Statistics Office counts 2 million Catholics, representing 44.85% of the population — figures that are higher than those of other sources. The number of Christians in Lebanon is usually estimated at 34%, but in 2023, outgoing Prime Minister Nagib Mikati sparked controversy by estimating that Christians now represent only 19.4% of the Lebanese population. These figures are sensitive, since the size of religious communities in Lebanon has implications for political representation.
More than a thousand Catholic parishes are scattered across the country, which is divided into 24 ecclesiastical districts. Around 50 bishops and 1,564 priests — including nearly a thousand diocesan priests — serve the communities. Nearly 1,700 nuns also live in the country. There are in addition 46 deacons, some 40 catechists, and some 280 seminarians.
The Catholic Church in Lebanon administers 750 educational institutions. From kindergarten to university, its institutions are attended by 243,500 students. There are 23 hospitals, 85 health centers, and 170 social centers dedicated to the various needs of the population (the elderly, children, families, etc.).
A land of mosaic diversity, Lebanon is home to Catholics of the Latin, Maronite, Greek-Melkite, Syriac, Armenian, and Chaldean rites. The Catholic Church is officially recognized by the state, and according to the constitution, the president must be of the Maronite Catholic faith.
